TSA Staffing Shortages Trigger Closures at Several Airports Amid Partial Government Shutdown

TSA staffing shortages have reached critical levels across the United States as a partial government shutdown continues.

“Additional security checkpoints at Philadelphia International Airport are closed Wednesday as drags on”

CBS News

Federal security officers are working without pay and increasingly calling out sick or resigning.

CBS News

The Transportation Security Administration employs approximately 50,000 officers nationwide.

Absenteeism rates have surged from the normal average of less than 2% to over 21% at major airports.

Affected airports include Atlanta's Hartsfield-Jackson, New York's JFK, Houston Hobby, and New Orleans.

Acting Deputy TSA Administrator Adam Stahl warned that airport closures are becoming a realistic possibility.

He stated 'it's not hyperbole to suggest that we may have to quite literally shut down airports—particularly smaller ones—if call-out rates go up.'

The severe operational strain has led to checkpoint wait times exceeding 3 hours at some airports.

Lines are now snaking out doors, into parking garages, and onto airport sidewalks.

Philadelphia International Airport has been particularly hard hit by the staffing crisis.

Multiple terminal security checkpoints have been forced to close due to insufficient TSA staffing.

Forbes

The airport announced that checkpoints at Terminals A-West and F would close starting March 18.

These join Terminal C which had already been closed.

Travelers can no longer use security screening at these specific terminals.

The terminals themselves remain open for flights.

Passengers are being directed to use Terminal A-East, B, and D/E checkpoints instead.

TSA PreCheck is still available at A-East and D/E locations.

An airport spokesperson indicated no timeline for when closed checkpoints will reopen.

The shutdown's impact varies dramatically across the nation's airport system.

“- A TSA official said some airports, "particularly smaller ones," may close due to the shutdown”

Insider

Major hubs like Atlanta, JFK, and Houston Hobby are experiencing severe delays with lines stretching for hours.

Some airports continue to operate with minimal disruption.

This disparity stems from the Screening Partnership Program (SPP), created in 2004.

The program allows 18 airports to use private contractors instead of federal TSA employees.

These airports remain largely unaffected by the shutdown.

Their screeners are paid through pre-funded federal contracts rather than congressional appropriations.

At most U.S. airports, TSA officers are federal employees who must work without pay.

This has led to widespread absenteeism, burnout, and resignations.

The ongoing crisis has prompted urgent action from multiple stakeholders.

Airline executives, federal officials, and the President have weighed in on the situation.

KRNV

On Sunday, chief executives from major carriers including Delta, Southwest, and FedEx urged Congress.

They called for legislation protecting TSA, customs, and air traffic control workers.

The executives called it 'simply unacceptable' that TSA workers received $0 paychecks.

President Donald Trump sought to shift blame for the situation.

He claimed 'the crazed Democrats are not allowing TSA Agents to get paid'.

The political standoff stems from Congress's failure to pass a Department of Homeland Security budget.

Republicans and Trump carved out DHS funding for further negotiations.

Democrats seek to place restrictions on federal immigration enforcement practices.

The human cost of the shutdown continues to mount.

“For a more detailed breakdown of what to do when the closures start, click here”

NBC10 Philadelphia

TSA officers face financial hardship and professional uncertainty.

NBC10 Philadelphia

Federal TSA officers received their first $0 paycheck over the weekend.

This marks the beginning of what could be weeks without pay.

The Department of Homeland Security reported 366 TSA officers have left since the shutdown started.

This figure includes departures up to Monday.

Three TSA officers expect 'longer lines' and 'more call-outs and stronger pushback'.

The exodus threatens long-term security vulnerabilities.

Even after funding disputes are resolved, retention challenges remain.