The Port of Seattle confirmed that its facilities, including Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) and cruise terminals, will remain open and operational during a potential federal government shutdown beginning October 1.
The Port said it is working closely with federal partners to ensure operations continue as close to normal as possible despite the disruption.
Travelers using SEA are advised to follow standard guidelines by arriving at least two hours before domestic flights and three hours before international departures. The Port will continue offering its Spot Saver program to reserve security screening times, while encouraging passengers to confirm flight information directly with airlines.
The Port stressed that while operations will continue, many federal employees critical to aviation and maritime security may be required to work without pay. This includes Transportation Security Administration officers, U.S. Customs and Border Protection staff, and other essential federal personnel based at SEA and cruise terminals.
“The Port of Seattle urges Congress to find a bipartisan solution to avoid or minimize any shutdown of the federal government and to retain the federal workforce necessary to keep trade and travel running smoothly,” said Ryan Calkins, Vice President of the Port of Seattle Commission.
“Our facilities will remain operational during any shutdown, but many of our federal partners will be working without pay. Additionally, any shutdown could cause disruptions to our regional economy, which is already seeing impacts from global and economic uncertainty. We hope those traveling through our gateways will join us in thanking our federal workers for their ongoing professionalism during this time. The Port will do all we can to support them in the case of a shutdown.”
Federal government shutdowns can create strain on aviation and seaport operations nationwide, particularly when prolonged. In previous instances, staff shortages and delayed paychecks have led to absenteeism among security personnel and longer wait times for passengers. The Port’s announcement aims to reassure travelers that facilities will remain accessible and services maintained, even as federal funding lapses.
SEA, one of the busiest airports in the United States, handled over 45 million passengers in 2023. As a major West Coast hub, the airport depends heavily on federal staffing to manage security screening, customs inspections, and air traffic operations. The Port emphasized that while TSA and Customs employees will continue to work, their unpaid status could affect morale and staffing levels if the shutdown extends.
To mitigate potential disruptions, SEA passengers are advised to plan extra time for travel processes, particularly at security checkpoints. The Spot Saver system remains available to reduce wait times by allowing passengers to pre-book screening slots. The Port said it will continue promoting this program to help travelers navigate any delays.
Airlines operating at SEA are expected to continue flights as scheduled. The Port urged passengers to check directly with their carriers for updates, noting that airline schedules remain unaffected by government funding but could be impacted by staffing shortages in the aviation system if the shutdown is prolonged.
The Port of Seattle said it is evaluating measures to support federal aviation and maritime employees who may be affected by missed paychecks. During the 2018–2019 federal shutdown, the Port coordinated with community partners to distribute food, supplies, and resources to federal workers stationed at SEA and cruise facilities. Officials indicated similar support could be considered again should the current shutdown extend for weeks.
The Port also highlighted that the regional economy could face consequences if the shutdown disrupts trade flows. Seattle is a critical gateway for imports and exports across the Pacific, and the Port plays a key role in maritime cargo handling. Any significant delays in customs operations or staffing could affect shipping companies and businesses dependent on timely trade routes.
Beyond immediate travel impacts, federal shutdowns place strain on the tourism and hospitality industries. With Seattle entering a busy cruise season and preparing for higher passenger volumes through SEA, the Port is coordinating with stakeholders to minimize disruptions and reassure visitors that facilities remain open.
The announcement comes amid broader uncertainty as Congress faces deadlines to pass funding legislation. Government shutdowns have occurred multiple times in the past decade, each affecting federal workers and services. The 35-day shutdown from December 2018 to January 2019, the longest in U.S. history, disrupted travel nationwide and created hardships for unpaid federal employees.
At the Port of Seattle, that period saw community-led initiatives to provide meals, groceries, and household items to federal workers stationed at SEA and maritime terminals. Port officials said those experiences inform current contingency planning, ensuring readiness to respond quickly to workers’ needs while maintaining safe operations for travelers and cargo.
As one of the region’s largest transportation hubs, SEA contributes significantly to the local and national economy. The Port warned that even if facilities remain technically open, a prolonged shutdown could cause ripple effects through aviation, shipping, and tourism, particularly if staffing shortages increase wait times or disrupt processing.
Despite these risks, the Port reaffirmed that it will keep operations running and continue to coordinate with federal and regional partners. “The Port will do all we can to support them in the case of a shutdown,” Calkins said, referring to federal employees. The Port added that it remains hopeful for a swift resolution in Washington, D.C., to avoid lasting impacts on the workforce, travelers, and the broader economy.
With the shutdown deadline approaching, SEA passengers and cruise travelers are advised to monitor updates from the Port, airlines, and cruise operators. While facilities will remain open, federal staffing levels and funding delays could still impact service quality. The Port of Seattle said its priority is to maintain smooth operations and support the federal workforce during what could be an uncertain period for travel and trade.
