The Department of Homeland Security has restarted the Global Entry program, just over two weeks after suspending it due to the ongoing partial government shutdown, according to the Associated Press. The program allows pre-approved travelers to use expedited kiosks when entering the U.S., reducing wait times at airports and ports of entry.
The shutdown, which began Feb. 14 amid stalled federal budget negotiations, led to long lines at airports as Customs and Border Protection reassigned staff away from Global Entry to process other arrivals.
In response to the program’s reopening, Airlines for America (A4A) President and CEO Chris Sununu called it “a positive step for millions of Americans who return home from overseas,” praising the White House and DHS for restoring efficiency to airport operations. However, Sununu urged Congress to act swiftly to guarantee pay for TSA and Customs officers, noting that “TSA officers are facing their first $0 paycheck this week” and that “more than 300 TSA employees have left the workforce since the shutdown began.”
Sununu emphasized that Trusted Traveler Programs like Global Entry are vital for both national security and smooth travel experiences, but warned that the current political impasse is imposing unacceptable strain on airports, staff, and travelers alike.
(Sources: Associated Press; Airlines for America statement, March 11, 2026; airlines.org (https://www.airlines.org/))
