Transportation Security Administration (TSA) absences have leveled off after peaking with slightly more than one in 10 workers calling in sick or not reporting to work earlier this week.
According to Reuters, the rate fell from a peak of 10.2 percent on Tuesday to 9.9 percent on Wednesday amid a partial government shutdown that has forced approximately 50,000 TSA officers to work without pay.
Nonetheless, long lines and lengthy delays have been reported at airports nationwide, with some hubs hit harder by widespread absences.
For example, the Department of Homeland Security said that roughly one-third (30 percent) of TSA officers did not show up at airports in New York City (JFK), Pittsburgh and Houston on Tuesday.
DHS also confirmed that more than 360 officers have quit during the partial shutdown, which began in mid-February.
Airlines and leaders within the U.S. travel industry have been urging government officials to end the stalemate amid warnings from TSA leadership that some airports could be forced to close due to safety concerns if the number of absences grows in the days and weeks to come.
Last year's government shutdown lasted over 40 days and led the FAA to slash flights at major airports before a deal was reached and TSA officers returned to work.
Similar cuts could be a damper on what could be a record-breaking spring travel season.
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