Passengers are rushing into Albany International Airport before any flights are grounded from this weekend's expected snowstorm.

That's on top of an already-stressful work environment as the federal government shutdown continues into its fourth week.

Some passengers tell Spectrum News they were switching flights to Friday to ensure they'd avoid the storm. But the expected snowfall is just another layer of stress for airport workers, who have been without a paycheck for 27 days.

Air traffic controllers are up in towers, so they’re not visible to the travelers, but they’re vital to make sure the planes are safe getting on and off the runways. Air traffic controllers are already seeing a national shortage, and under this shutdown, they’re working without pay.

That’s why the local union came out of their towers Friday to spread awareness to passengers about their struggles they face during this shutdown. And while they’re contracted to show up, workers say it’s hard making ends meet. 

The air traffic controllers will be hard at work over the next few days. They say they anticipate diverting planes and delays due to the storm, and they’re also the back up for LaGuardia Airport, should it run into issues from the storm as well.