Over a third of TSA officers call out at 3 major U.S. airports in single day
Quick Insights
The Bottom Line
TSA officer call-outs exceeded one-third at three major U.S. airports in a single day, with morale deteriorating.
How This Affects You
Airport security lines may face significant delays as TSA staffing shortages intensify, affecting air travelers at major hubs.
AI Summary
More than a third of TSA officers called out sick simultaneously at three major U.S. airports on a single day, disrupting security screening operations. The mass absence reflects deteriorating morale among transportation security staff, with officers citing uncertainty about working conditions and job security. Such widespread callouts create operational strain at critical infrastructure points and risk longer wait times for travelers during peak periods. Cameron Cochems, a lead TSA officer in Boise, Idaho, attributed the discontent to ongoing uncertainty about the agency's direction and staffing levels. The incident underscores persistent workforce retention challenges within the TSA as the agency grapples with staffing pressures.
This article is part of a story we're tracking:
Should this be getting more attention?
You Might Have Missed
Related stories from different sources and perspectives
Government TransparencyOver a third of TSA officers called out at 3 major airports Tuesday amid partial shutdown
Travelers continue to face long lines at airports with no end to the partial government shutdown in sight. Atlanta was one of three major U.S. airports on Tuesday where more than one-third of TSA officers called out of work. In Philadelphia, flyers found three of six TSA checkpoints closed on Wednesday. Skyler Henry reports.
Government TransparencyWATCH: TSA says nearly 10% of its officers called out sick Tuesday
The TSA is warning some small airports might need to shut down due to staffing shortages because of the partial government shutdown.
Government TransparencyFAA tightens safety rules for helicopters and planes around major airports
Regulators at the Federal Aviation Administration are tightening safety rules in congested airspace around major airports, suspending the use of visual separation between planes and helicopters.
Government TransparencyUS official warns small airports could soon shut down over TSA absences - Reuters
<a href="https://news.google.com/rss/articles/CBMitwFBVV95cUxNb2FCNzlvSWZ1RVZYd1Z3UVVlaHFrbXQ2VEYwRlJ1bTA0R2JpV0JqNVNzazNBVl9pYVAyU0tCWkdvdTQwRUtVMkpKaDZCeHpSNFBiQTRFbWF5OGRHU1VCYy1Jak9fVk5CcUNneE1PdDZUV1RqeXdhWVlNc1ZIX0xoOGoyWnExNkMycUtTUE1tZjZxdl82LUJXV1dHQ0J0d3lzWkhSM18yN0ktWkczVnpCVEVPOHZHTDg?oc=5" target="_blank">US official warns small airports could soon shut down over TSA absences</a> <font color="#6f6f6f">Reuters</font>
Government TransparencyHow to monitor airport security lines at US airports while TSA officers go without pay - AP News
A strong chemical smell forces a 1-hour flight halt at 4 major DC-area airports - AP News
<a href="https://news.google.com/rss/articles/CBMisgFBVV95cUxPMkd3TW1RWHBydmFXT0NFNXFzVUg0Zk5ST1ZUZDVkQWhWSEptbTQ2RFR5M1dLN3JDcEppSUtvYjEzYWtxaGlPZ1FIc1ZOSnZaTVhudGRrMk9RRnFYUlI2bENicThZVXVVckhNZHpGX2dTek9wVVFNYnc4a1RpYUU1QkcwZVdfMDJBYjM5UFhoamgwRW1QRjllQ0dUaG1QZFg5bHFwTnNZUnQxbWdiRjU3dV93?oc=5" target="_blank">A strong chemical smell forces a 1-hour flight halt at 4 major DC-area airports</a> <font color="#6f6f6f">AP News</font>
Kash Patel admits under oath FBI is buying location data on Americans
<p>Admission came during questioning at Senate intelligence committee worldwide threats hearing</p><p>The <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/fbi">Federal Bureau of Investigation</a> has started buying location data on Americans, FBI director Kash Patel said under oath at the Senate intelligence committee worldwide threats hearing on Wednesday.</p><p>Patel’s admission came in response to a question from the senator Ron Wyden, an Oregon Democrat who is <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QwiUVUJmGjs&t=105s">a longtime opponent</a> of the warrantless surveillance of Americans. Wyden told Patel that his predecessor, Christopher Wray, testified in 2023 that the FBI did not at that time purchase location data derived from internet advertising, although he acknowledged that it had done so in the past.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/mar/18/kash-patel-fbi-location-data">Continue reading...</a>
Did this story change how you see things?
Stories like this only matter when people see them. Help us get verified journalism in front of more eyes.
The Verity Ledger curates verified investigative journalism from trusted sources only.
See our sourcesMost Read This Week
Race on to establish globally recognised 'AI-free' logo
Biggest wildfire in Nebraska history continues to burn out of control - abcnews.com
TikTok and Meta risked safety to win algorithm arms race, whistleblowers say
Bank of America reaches proposed, non-binding settlement in Jeffrey Epstein suit
White House registers new ‘alien’-related .gov domains as DOD tackles Trump’s disclosure directive
