Government shutdown triggers TSA disruptions, long airport lines across U.S.
WASHINGTON — Air travel across the United States has been thrown into disarray amid a prolonged government shutdown, straining airport security operations and leaving passengers facing long lines, delays, and cancellations.
With the Department of Homeland Security unfunded, Transportation Security Administration officers are continuing to work without pay during the busy spring travel season, contributing to staffing shortages and operational challenges at airports nationwide.
“3+ hour TSA lines for travelers. 300+ TSA officers who have quit. A $0 paycheck for those continuing to serve. Enough is enough,” the TSA said in a social media post, adding that hundreds of unpaid officers have left their jobs since the shutdown began.
The impact has been felt across major travel hubs, where long wait times and security bottlenecks have disrupted schedules. Authorities are urging travelers to arrive significantly earlier than usual to avoid missing flights.
At Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, one of the world’s busiest airports, security wait times approached two hours over the weekend before easing to under 15 minutes by Monday evening. However, delays persisted in other parts of the country.
Airports have issued advisories to help passengers navigate the disruptions. “Please arrive at least 2.5 hours prior to your flight’s departure for domestic,” Austin-Bergstrom International Airport said, according to local media reports.
Staffing shortages have been compounded by increased absenteeism among TSA workers. Officials reported a national callout rate of 10.19 percent on Sunday, the highest recorded during the shutdown.
In the New York area, conditions were particularly strained. Wait times at LaGuardia Airport neared three hours, with callout rates exceeding 25 percent. Similar staffing gaps were reported at John F. Kennedy International Airport and Newark Liberty International Airport.
Passengers have struggled with cancellations and rebooking challenges. “We were on hold for three and a half hours all morning,” said Maeve Higgins, whose flight was canceled twice. Another traveler, Lauren Price, said, “The hotel is non-refundable, so we are just going to go there for as many days as we can get.”
Airline executives have also raised concerns about mounting frustration among travelers. “Americans — who live in your districts and home states — are tired of long lines at airports, travel delays, and flight cancellations caused by shutdown after shutdown,” a group of airline CEOs said in a letter to Congress cited by media reports.
Similar disruptions have occurred during past government shutdowns, when TSA officers were also required to work without pay, leading to spikes in absenteeism and delays. The agency screens millions of passengers daily and plays a critical role in maintaining U.S. aviation security.
The Department of Homeland Security, which oversees border security, immigration enforcement, and transportation safety, has historically faced widespread operational impacts during funding lapses, particularly during peak travel periods. (Source: IANS)
