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The Global Business Travel Association (GBTA) is urging U.S. officials to reconsider the suspension of the Global Entry program, which has created widespread disruption for both business and leisure travelers. The suspension, enforced by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) as part of a partial government shutdown, has raised alarms about the growing inefficiencies and potential economic consequences. The suspension of the program, which allows approved travelers to bypass lengthy customs lines at U.S. entry points, has already created significant delays, straining both airport operations and business travel across the country.
Global Entry is a key program for facilitating expedited entry into the U.S. for more than 13 million members. By allowing members to skip customs lines and use kiosks, the program has been an essential tool for travelers to move quickly through busy airports. However, as part of the government’s efforts to address funding shortages during the shutdown, the program was temporarily halted beginning on February 22, 2026.
This suspension has created massive ripple effects across the travel industry, especially in terms of business operations. The GBTA, which represents over 9,000 members, has warned that the ongoing disruption could severely impact the corporate travel ecosystem. In a letter to Congress, the GBTA emphasized that the suspension could undermine the smooth operation of U.S. businesses, as companies rely on efficient air travel to maintain client relationships and facilitate global commerce. Delays at U.S. entry points would ultimately lead to longer travel times, decreased productivity, and increased operational costs.
The recent shutdown, which began on February 14, has not only caused disruptions in the air travel industry but also in the hospitality sector. In its letter, the GBTA pointed out that a similar shutdown in 2023 resulted in estimated losses of $6.1 billion across the travel industry. This figure includes the impact on hotels, which suffered from a decrease in business-related bookings. Similarly, U.S. RevPAR (Revenue per Available Room) dropped by 1.6% in the last quarter of 2025, as companies were forced to scale back business travel due to uncertainties caused by the shutdown.
The organization warns that without the efficient operations of Global Entry, which is critical for facilitating business travel, the broader economic consequences could intensify. In a statement, GBTA CEO Suzanne Neufang highlighted the significant delays that would impact U.S. companies, emphasizing that the longer travelers have to wait in customs lines, the greater the economic strain on businesses that depend on quick, efficient travel.
Aside from the financial strain, GBTA also raised concerns about the potential security risks associated with suspending Global Entry. The program was specifically designed to streamline the security process, reducing the need for manual checks and allowing customs officers to focus on higher-risk passengers. With the program now suspended, this process is more prone to delays and errors, weakening the overall security infrastructure at U.S. airports.
As GBTA points out, these inefficiencies not only frustrate travelers but also divert crucial resources away from critical security measures. The association emphasized the importance of maintaining a robust, secure entry process to ensure the safety of U.S. citizens and visitors, especially in times of heightened global security risks.
The U.S. Travel Association (USTA), which advocates for the broader travel industry, echoed GBTA’s concerns. In a recent statement, the USTA called for the immediate reinstatement of the Global Entry program, stressing that suspending it not only creates significant delays but also undermines years of work in building a streamlined, secure travel system. The association pointed out that the DHS’s decision to reverse the suspension of the TSA PreCheck program after receiving backlash serves as an indication that travelers’ voices are crucial in shaping such decisions.
While the DHS has emphasized the need for cost-saving measures during the shutdown, the suspension of programs like Global Entry has clearly taken a toll on both the economy and the efficiency of the U.S. air travel system. These disruptions have been exacerbated by the lack of clear communication regarding the timeline for the resumption of services, leaving many travelers unsure of when they can expect normal operations to resume.
For travelers whose Global Entry privileges are currently unavailable, there are still steps they can take to manage the situation. The DHS advises affected passengers to check with airlines for updates on the status of their flights and to review alternative entry options. While TSA PreCheck remains operational, some travelers may also seek alternative routes or accommodations to mitigate the impact of the delays. Additionally, passengers can consider using expedited processing services provided by airports and carriers in place of Global Entry until the program is reinstated.
The suspension of Global Entry has highlighted the critical role this program plays in ensuring smooth, efficient, and secure air travel. With the travel and tourism industry projected to contribute $395.4 billion to the U.S. economy in 2026, the GBTA’s call for action is more urgent than ever. The suspension threatens not only business travel but also the broader economic competitiveness of the U.S. As the situation continues to unfold, the GBTA and other industry stakeholders are urging the government to prioritize the reinstatement of Global Entry to safeguard the interests of travelers and businesses alike.
