RELEASE – Reno-Tahoe Airport Authority Ramps Up Support for Federal Employees Amid Government Shutdown and Flight Disruptions

Community Encouraged to Join the Airport and The Children’s Cabinet in Keeping Local Resources Stocked  

RENO, Nev. (Nov. 7, 2025) – As the federal government shutdown reaches the longest in U.S. history, its effects are being felt not only by federal employees, but also by travelers and other airport employees at Reno-Tahoe International Airport (RNO). Following a directive from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) requiring requiring all airlines to gradually reduce flight schedules at the top 40 airports by 10% beginning today, RNO is reporting at least 12 cancellations, 9% of total commercial flights, and several delays tied to the nationwide slowdown.

While the Reno-Tahoe Airport Authority (RTAA) is not a federal organization and remains fully operational, the shutdown continues to impact federal partners such as the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and the FAA. These are teams that are showing up to work, without pay, to keep passengers safe and operations running. 

In response, the RTAA has partnered with The Children’s Cabinet to deliver critical resources directly to impacted federal employees at RNO. With the shutdown ongoing and flight reductions adding new challenges, community support is more important than ever to sustain these efforts. 

“This shutdown has now become the longest in our nation’s history, and its impacts are growing,” said Daren Griffin, President/CEO of the Reno-Tahoe Airport Authority. “We’re seeing flight cancellations ripple through our airport, yet our federal partners continue showing up every day to keep passengers safe and operations steady. They deserve our support, and they have it.” 

Beyond regular meal deliveries and donations, the RTAA and The Children’s Cabinet recently worked together to identify the most requested items by federal employees to stock the organization’s market, including nonperishable groceries, hygiene products and baby care items. The first delivery of goods was made directly to federal teams at RNO, ensuring essential supplies reach those who need them most with minimal barriers. 

Photos and video of The Children’s Cabinet market and first market delivery can be accessed here. 

“The Reno-Tahoe International Airport is the front door to our community and is often the first and last impression visitors have of our city and the region,” said Reno Mayor Hillary Schieve. “Federal employees play an essential role in keeping that experience safe, efficient and welcoming. Their dedication helps ensure our airport continues to connect this region to the nation and the world, and reflects the strong spirit of service that defines our community.” 

The RTAA is deeply appreciative of those who have already donated and is encouraging the Reno-Tahoe community to continue supporting this effort by donating directly to The Children’s Cabinet to keep the market stocked with requested items for federal employees and their families. Contributions, whether in-kind or monetary, can be made at www.childrenscabinet.org or by calling 775-287-6883 and mentioning that your donation is for federal airport employees. 

“We’re grateful for the partnership with the Reno-Tahoe Airport Authority and for the community’s generosity,” said Kim Young, CEO of The Children’s Cabinet. “Every donation—big or small—helps us provide stability for families facing hardship. Together, we can ensure these federal employees feel supported while they continue serving our community.” 

Despite the challenges of the ongoing shutdown, RNO remains open, operational and safe. Services provided directly by the RTAA—including Airport Police, Customer Service, Parking and Maintenance—continue without interruption. Passengers may experience longer security lines or flight disruptions caused by the shutdown and FAA flight reductions, but safety and reliability remain the airport’s highest priorities. 

Travelers are encouraged to check their flight status directly with their airline before traveling to the airport, as airlines are issuing refunds for affected flights. Real-time parking availability, parking reservations, construction updates and flight information are available at www.renoairport.com. 

For the latest information about the federal government shutdown, its impacts at RNO and how to help, visit renoairport.com/federal-gov-shutdown 

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About The Children’s Cabinet 

Established in Reno in 1985, The Children’s Cabinet exists to keep children safe and families together by offering services and resources that address unmet needs. The organization represents a unique and effective collaboration between the private sector and public agencies in Nevada. The Children’s Cabinet helps more than 15,000 families annually with a wide range of services: basic needs, child care resources, education, work experience programs, crisis intervention, and family counseling. As a non-profit agency, The Children’s Cabinet relies on community support to provide programs and services at no charge to children and their families.