Storms Disrupt Air Travel Across US as Shutdown Strains TSA Staffing

Hundreds of flights canceled or delayed as winter weather and government shutdown impact airports nationwide

Mar. 17, 2026 at 9:18am

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Powerful storms that swept across the eastern half of the United States on Monday caused hundreds of flight cancellations and delays, compounding travel challenges at major airports already strained by the ongoing partial government shutdown. The disruptions come as airports are crowded with spring break travelers and fans heading to March Madness games, further straining resources.

Why it matters

The combination of severe weather and the impact of the government shutdown on TSA staffing has created a perfect storm for air travel disruptions, with passengers facing longer security lines and widespread flight cancellations and delays. This highlights the vulnerabilities of the US air travel system to external shocks and the need for more resilient operations.

The details

More than 550 flights scheduled to fly into, out of or within the U.S. were canceled as of early Tuesday, with over 460 delayed, according to flight-tracking site FlightAware. Major airports like New York's LaGuardia, Chicago's O'Hare, and Atlanta's Hartsfield-Jackson saw hundreds of cancellations on Monday. The Federal Aviation Administration ordered ground stops and delays at several airports due to the severe weather. The travel disruptions come as the partial government shutdown has strained TSA staffing, with more than 300 agents quitting since the start of the shutdown and longer security lines reported at some airports.

  • The storms swept across the eastern half of the country on Monday.
  • TSA workers missed their first full paycheck over the weekend due to the partial government shutdown that began on February 14.

The players

Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport

One of the busiest airports in the world, located in Atlanta, Georgia.

Transportation Security Administration (TSA)

The agency responsible for airport security screening in the United States, which has been impacted by the partial government shutdown.

Kelly Price

A traveler trying to get home to Colorado after a family vacation in Orlando, Florida.

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.

Mel Stewart

A traveler who arrived four hours earlier than usual for his flight out of Hartsfield-Jackson Airport to make up for longer TSA lines.

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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 Federal Aviation Administration will continue to monitor the weather situation and issue any necessary flight restrictions or delays. The partial government shutdown is also expected to continue, with ongoing impacts on TSA staffing levels and airport security operations.

The takeaway

This disruption to air travel highlights the vulnerabilities of the US transportation system to external shocks and the need for more resilient operations. It also underscores the human toll of the ongoing government shutdown, with TSA workers facing financial hardship as they continue to report for duty without pay.