El Paso Airport not seeing delays amid longest government shutdown

EL PASO, Texas (KVIA)-- This is now the longest government shutdown in U.S history, and across the country airports are seeing delays. Here in El Paso, we haven't seen the same.

This is due to federal workers showing up, according to the President of the local FG 1050. He represents federal workers across New Mexico and El Paso.

Nationwide, there have been more than 2,000 delays reported today.

Here in El Paso, however, flights are running smoothly.

“We have not seen a lot of call outs,” said Gabriel Ochoa, president of the American Federation of Government Employees Local 1050 chapter. “There is a little uptick, but not as bad as the rest of the country. From what I’m seeing.”

Ochoa credits the stability at El Paso International Airport to TSA officers and air traffic controllers who continue to show up for work despite not being paid during the ongoing government shutdown. In other parts of the country, he said, there have been increasing “sickouts.”

In a statement to ABC-7, the El Paso International Airport said:

“During this government shutdown period, air travel at the El Paso International Airport has remained consistent thanks to essential federal employees, who continue to show up to work for our community.”

Ochoa had a message for travelers who may encounter delays elsewhere.

“Thank them for coming to work,” he said. “Remember, they’re not getting paid right now, and they’re still there protecting the American people.”