TSA Staffing Shortages Causing Long Delays at Major Airports

Arizona airports see relatively normal wait times so far, but connecting flights could still be impacted

Mar. 14, 2026 at 12:05am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The ongoing partial government shutdown has led to a surge in TSA agent sick calls and over 300 officers leaving the agency nationwide. Major airports like Houston, Atlanta, and New Orleans are seeing security lines stretch past the 3-hour mark, causing widespread travel disruptions. While Arizona airports like Phoenix Sky Harbor have not been as severely impacted, travelers connecting through affected hubs could still face long delays and missed flights.

Why it matters

The TSA staffing shortages highlight the broader impact of the government shutdown on critical public services. With fewer TSA agents working without pay, airport security lines have ballooned, causing significant inconvenience and frustration for air travelers. This issue disproportionately affects those flying through the most heavily impacted airports, raising concerns about equitable access to air travel.

The details

Due to the partial government shutdown, more than 300 TSA officers have left the agency nationwide. This has led to security lines of over 3 hours at major airports like Houston, Atlanta, and New Orleans. While Arizona airports like Phoenix Sky Harbor have not seen the same level of disruption, travelers connecting through affected hubs could still face long delays and missed flights.

  • The partial government shutdown began in late 2018 and is still ongoing as of March 2026.

The players

TSA

The Transportation Security Administration, a federal agency responsible for airport security screenings.

Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport

The main airport serving the Phoenix metropolitan area, which has not been as severely impacted by the TSA staffing shortages compared to other major airports.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

Experts recommend that travelers flying during this time arrive at the airport extra early, check TSA wait times before leaving, and consider enrolling in TSA PreCheck or CLEAR to reduce time spent in security lines.

The takeaway

The TSA staffing shortages caused by the government shutdown are a stark reminder of the real-world impacts that political gridlock can have on critical public services. As air travel becomes increasingly disrupted, it's important for policymakers to find a resolution that prioritizes the needs of travelers and airport workers.