Storms Cancel Hundreds of US Flights as TSA Staffing Woes Persist

Powerful storms and the ongoing partial government shutdown are creating major disruptions for air travelers across the country.

Mar. 16, 2026 at 7:22pm

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Thousands of flights across the U.S. were canceled or delayed on Monday as powerful storms swept across the eastern half of the country. The disruptions come as the partial government shutdown, which has left Transportation Security Administration (TSA) workers without pay, continues to strain airport security staffing. Airlines have reported longer security lines and hundreds of TSA agents quitting their jobs since the shutdown began.

Why it matters

The combination of severe weather and the ongoing staffing challenges at TSA checkpoints due to the government shutdown is creating a perfect storm for air travelers. Widespread flight cancellations and delays are causing major inconveniences and added costs for passengers, while the staffing shortages at TSA raise concerns about security and safety at airports.

The details

Over 3,600 flights scheduled to fly into, out of or within the U.S. on Monday were canceled, with another 6,800 delayed. The storm system brought heavy snow, high winds and the threat of tornadoes to the Midwest and East Coast. Meanwhile, the partial government shutdown that began on February 14th has left TSA agents without pay, leading to more workers taking second jobs, calling out sick, or quitting altogether. Airlines have reported over 300 TSA agents have left their jobs since the shutdown started.

  • The partial government shutdown began on February 14, 2026.
  • The storms swept across the eastern half of the U.S. on Monday, March 16, 2026.

The players

Transportation Security Administration (TSA)

The federal agency responsible for security screening at U.S. airports, which has been impacted by staffing shortages due to the ongoing partial government shutdown.

Delta, American, United and Southwest Airlines

The CEOs of the nation's top airlines who wrote an open letter to Congress urging them to restore funding to the Department of Homeland Security and ensure pay for federal aviation workers during future government shutdowns.

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What’s next

Congress will need to act quickly to restore funding to the Department of Homeland Security and ensure TSA workers are paid, in order to alleviate the staffing shortages and security checkpoint delays at airports across the country.

The takeaway

The combination of severe weather and the ongoing government shutdown is creating a perfect storm for air travelers, with thousands of flights canceled or delayed and security checkpoint staffing shortages causing long lines and safety concerns. This highlights the need for Congress to find a bipartisan solution to keep the government open and ensure federal aviation workers are paid during future shutdowns.