Flight Disruptions Persist After Severe Weather

Hundreds of flights canceled or delayed as partial government shutdown strains airport security staffing

Mar. 17, 2026 at 5:14pm

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Hundreds of flights were canceled or delayed on Tuesday, one day after powerful storms swept across the eastern half of the country and disrupted air travel in major cities. The disruptions come as the partial government shutdown has pressured staffing at some airport security checkpoints, leading to longer wait times for travelers.

Why it matters

The combination of severe weather and the ongoing partial government shutdown has created significant challenges for air travel, with hundreds of flights canceled or delayed and longer security lines at some of the nation's busiest airports. This is impacting travelers during a busy travel season with spring break and March Madness events.

The details

More than 750 flights scheduled to fly into, out of or within the U.S. have been canceled as of early Tuesday, and about 1,300 were delayed, according to flight-tracking site FlightAware. The storm system that dumped heavy snow across the Midwest raced toward the East Coast with high winds, leading to major disruptions at airports in New York, Chicago and Atlanta. At the same time, the partial government shutdown has pressured staffing at some security checkpoints, with TSA workers missing their first full paycheck over the weekend and some quitting their jobs due to financial strain.

  • On Monday, the Federal Aviation Administration ordered ground stops at Hartsfield-Jackson and Charlotte Douglas International Airport and ground delays at JFK and Newark Liberty International Airport due to the severe weather.
  • On Sunday, travelers were advised to arrive at least 3 hours early at Louis Armstrong International Airport in New Orleans due to impacts from the federal government's partial shutdown.

The players

Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport

One of the nation's largest airports, located in Atlanta, Georgia, which saw over 470 flight cancellations on Monday due to the severe weather.

Transportation Security Administration (TSA)

The federal agency responsible for airport security screening, which has faced staffing shortages as workers miss paychecks during the partial government shutdown.

Kelly Price

A traveler trying to get home to Colorado after a family vacation in Orlando, Florida, who had her Sunday night flight canceled and had to sleep on the airport floor.

Danielle Cash

A traveler stranded in St. Louis on Sunday while trying to get home to Tampa, Florida, after a weekend trip to Las Vegas, now having to spend extra money on a hotel room.

Mel Stewart

An Atlanta-based traveler who arrived 4 hours early for his flight to make up for longer TSA lines due to the partial government shutdown.

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What they’re saying

“By that time the only place for us to sleep was the airport floor. So we're all tired and frustrated.”

— Kelly Price

“It was 80 degrees in Tampa when I left and then going to Vegas. And it was 90 degrees in the desert.”

— Danielle Cash

“I think it's being politicized way too much — way too much. And these people are working. They work hard, and for TSA people not to get paid, that's silly.”

— Mel Stewart

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.