The Miami‑Dade County Airport Director reported to the Airport Committee that Miami International Airport (MIA) was operating without disruptions at the time of the meeting despite the ongoing federal government shutdown, but cautioned that the situation could change if federal employees stop receiving pay.

The update matters because MIA relies on federal partners — the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) — for air traffic control, security screening and customs processing. Staffing at those agencies affects day‑to‑day airport operations.

“As of this morning, no. We are not feeling any impacts from the government shutdown,” Airport Director Perez told the committee, saying air traffic control tower staff were reporting to work and were “fully staffed.” Perez said TSA and CBP attendance at MIA was higher than pre‑shutdown levels.

Perez added that TSA and CBP are paid in arrears and had received a partial paycheck that week; he warned he could not guarantee continued attendance if employees stop being paid. “I can’t guarantee that because at that point, they will no longer be paid,” Perez said, adding that if staffing shortages occur the county would work with TSA to “repurpose people” and potentially use private security to help man exit lanes.

Committee members thanked TSA and CBP for continuing to work and asked the director to notify the committee if the situation deteriorates. Director Perez said county operations staff were in “constant communication” with TSA, CBP and the FAA tower and that they would advise the committee immediately of any issues.

At the time of the meeting the director reported no delays or interruptions at MIA linked to the shutdown; the committee recorded no formal action on airport operations beyond receiving the report.