Airport security headaches grow as DHS shutdown drags on: What to know

The Hill
by Ryan Mancini
March 21, 2026
3 min read

Quick Insights

The Bottom Line

TSA officers are quitting or missing work unpaid during DHS shutdown, causing airport security delays nationwide.

How This Affects You

If you fly during peak travel periods, expect longer security checkpoint wait times as TSA staffing shortages worsen with each day of the shutdown.

AI Summary

TSA officers are increasingly absent from work or leaving their jobs entirely as a Department of Homeland Security funding lapse leaves federal employees unpaid. The DHS shutdown has created a cascading staffing crisis at airport security checkpoints, resulting in longer wait times for travelers nationwide. Without pay, TSA personnel face mounting financial pressure, making resignations and no-shows more likely as the shutdown persists. Airport operations and passenger throughput are directly affected by these staffing shortages, potentially creating bottlenecks during peak travel periods. The situation underscores the operational vulnerability of critical security infrastructure when federal agencies lose funding authorization.

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