Savannah, Georgia, October 6, 2025
News Summary
Despite the federal government shutdown that began on October 1, Savannah and Hilton Head Island airports are operating normally. Key Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and air traffic control personnel are working without pay, but no significant problems have been reported. The Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport is undergoing a terminal expansion, and ongoing federal-funded projects will continue as planned. Local businesses have also stepped in to support TSA workers during this time.
Savannah, Georgia – Airports in Savannah and Hilton Head Island are operating normally despite the ongoing federal government shutdown that began on October 1. Key personnel, including Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and air traffic control staff, are continuing their duties without pay during this period.
Nationally, approximately 13,000 air traffic controllers and 61,000 TSA employees are expected to report to work unpaid. In previous shutdowns, such as the one from December 2018 to January 2019, there was an increase in TSA staff calling in sick, but currently reported conditions at Savannah and Hilton Head Island airports are stable.
Lori Lynah, who serves as the senior director of marketing and air service development at Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport, mentioned that while longer lines at security might occur randomly during shifts, no significant problems have emerged so far.
Last year, Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport facilitated 4.1 million passengers and is presently engaged in a terminal expansion to incorporate four new gates. Ongoing federal-funded airport projects are set to continue without interruption due to previously allocated funds for these initiatives.
Airlines for America has indicated that while the aviation system is functioning, it may need to slow down operations to sustain safety standards. Jon Rembold, director of Beaufort County airports, confirmed that Hilton Head Island Airport’s operations remain smooth, particularly as it undergoes an expansion from 20,000 to approximately 67,000 square feet.
Although TSA agents are working without compensation, they remain fully operational. Local businesses, such as the SERG Group, have started to offer lunches to TSA officers as a gesture of appreciation during the shutdown.
The ongoing federal government shutdown was triggered by disagreements between Democrats and Republicans regarding funding. At the national level, the Department of Transportation has indicated that while the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) will furlough some employees, safety measures will still be upheld.
Meanwhile, Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport is in the midst of a $400 million expansion aimed at enhancing its commercial, cargo, and general aviation capacities. The airport has experienced significant growth, offering over 30 nonstop destinations and hosting 11 major airlines, which currently includes new routes from Spirit Airlines among others.
Greg Kelly, CEO of Savannah Airport Commission, emphasized the airport’s increasingly crucial role in regional logistics and economic advancement, which is bolstered by the nearby Hyundai Metaplant. The airport’s capital plan includes advancing air cargo infrastructure to meet rising demand and expanding parking facilities.
To support regional economic development, Savannah airport representatives are seeking public input for updates to its master plan and highlight the importance of partnerships with neighboring airports. These collaborations are essential for improving travel efficiency and accommodating overflow activity, particularly from Statesboro’s Bulloch County Airport.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Savannah and Hilton Head airports affected by the government shutdown?
No, airports in Savannah and Hilton Head Island have not experienced any disruptions since the federal government shutdown began on October 1.
What are the working conditions for TSA and air traffic control staff during the shutdown?
TSA and air traffic control staff are continuing to work without pay during the shutdown.
How many TSA and air traffic control employees are affected nationwide?
Approximately 13,000 air traffic controllers and 61,000 TSA employees across the U.S. are expected to report to work unpaid.
Will the ongoing projects at Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport continue?
Yes, existing federal-funded airport projects are expected to continue without disruption due to previously allocated funds.
How has Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport been performing recently?
The airport served 4.1 million passengers last year and is currently undergoing a terminal expansion to add four new gates.
Key Features
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Airport Operations | No disruptions reported amid government shutdown. |
| TSA Staffing | TSA agents are working without pay but remain fully operational. |
| Passenger Volume | 4.1 million passengers served last year at Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport. |
| Expansion Projects | $400 million expansion of Savannah airport is ongoing. |
| Community Support | Local businesses are providing meals to TSA employees during the shutdown. |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Major Airport Expansions Planned for Hilton Head Island
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Additional Resources
- WTOC – Savannah/Hilton Head Airport Not Impacted by Shutdown
- Wikipedia: Savannah, Georgia
- Grice Connect – Savannah Airport Expansion
- Google Search: Savannah Airport
- Island Packet – Savannah Airport Updates
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Air Travel
- WJCL – Savannah Airport Expansion News
- Google News: Savannah Hilton Head International Airport
Author: STAFF HERE HILTON HEAD
The HILTON HEAD STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREHiltonHead.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Hilton Head Island, Beaufort County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the RBC Heritage golf tournament, Hilton Head Island Wine & Food Festival, and the Gullah Celebration. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Hilton Head Island-Bluffton Chamber of Commerce and Community Foundation of the Lowcountry, plus leading businesses in tourism and hospitality that power the local economy such as Sea Pines Resort and Sonesta Resort Hilton Head Island. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
