Long lines are forming at airports across the United States as Transportation Security Administration agents continue working without pay during the ongoing partial government shutdown.

The situation comes ahead of what is expected to be a busy travel weekend, raising concerns about potential disruptions to air travel. TSA employees are among the federal workers affected by the shutdown who must continue reporting to work despite not receiving their paychecks.

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy has warned that the travel disruptions could worsen, stating that passengers should expect "extensive lines" and predicting that "air travel is going to almost come to a grid-halt stop" if the situation continues.

The partial government shutdown has left hundreds of thousands of federal employees either furloughed or working without pay. Essential services, including airport security screening, must continue operating even as workers go unpaid.

Airport security checkpoints have experienced longer wait times as the shutdown continues, with some passengers reporting delays. The situation highlights the broader impact of the government shutdown on transportation infrastructure and public services that millions of Americans rely on daily.