Here’s Why Michigan Airports Aren’t Showing the Government Shutdown Video

As the federal government shutdown continues into its second week, several Michigan airports confirm they are not displaying a new video message from Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem that has been distributed to some airports across the country.

Michigan Airports Confirm No Video Display

The video, which references the ongoing shutdown and its impact on airport operations, has not appeared on screens at Flint Bishop International Airport, Detroit Metro Airport, or Grand Rapids’ Gerald R. Ford International Airport.

READ MORE: Federal Shutdown Creating Stress and Delays at Michigan Airports 

Officials at Flint Bishop International said operations remain normal with no delays or staffing issues linked to the shutdown. Kasey Posa, director of marketing and public relations for the airport said:

We continue to stay in close communication with our federal partners to monitor the situation and remain prepared should circumstances change.

In Grand Rapids, airport spokesperson Heidi Groenboom confirmed that as of Monday afternoon, the video had not been received or played at the Gerald R. Ford International Airport.

READ MORE: Flint Bishop Airport Launches AI Parking This Fall

At Detroit Metro Airport, the Wayne County Airport Authority directed questions to the Transportation Security Administration, noting that the monitors in question are located within TSA-leased areas. TSA spokesperson Amanda Osborn was unavailable for comment, with an automated out-of-office email citing the ongoing federal funding lapse.

National Impacts and Legal Challenges

Nationwide, the shutdown has caused more than 23,000 flight delays, according to Reuters, while approximately 13,000 air traffic controllers and 50,000 TSA officers continue to work without pay.

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Consumer advocacy group Public Citizen has filed legal challenges against nine federal agencies, alleging that certain messages related to the shutdown may violate the Hatch Act, which restricts political activity by federal employees. The Center for Biological Diversity has also filed related complaints against two agencies.

READ MORE: Michigan Avoids Shutdown as Federal Crisis Looms

Despite the broader national impacts, Michigan’s major airports report that flights and passenger services are running as scheduled.