Atlanta Councilman Proposes Study on Privatizing Airport Security

Amid TSA staffing issues, city leader wants to explore alternatives to government-run security screenings.

Apr. 3, 2026 at 4:06am

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A photorealistic painting of an empty airport security checkpoint station, with warm sunlight streaming in through large windows and creating deep shadows across the scene, conveying a sense of quiet contemplation about the challenges facing airport security.As tensions rise over airport security disruptions, a study on privatizing screenings aims to find a more reliable solution.Atlanta Today

In response to ongoing problems with long security lines at the world's busiest airport, Atlanta City Councilman Byron Amos is proposing a feasibility study to explore privatizing airport security screening at Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport. Amos, a former member of the airport's security team, believes privatization could help prevent disruptions caused by government shutdowns and TSA staffing shortages. However, union officials warn that privatization could create more issues than it solves, arguing that the real solution is for Congress to provide stable, long-term funding for the TSA.

Why it matters

The chronic security line issues at Hartsfield-Jackson have become a major headache for both travelers and airport officials in Atlanta. With the airport serving as a major transportation hub, these delays can have ripple effects across the country. Exploring alternatives to the government-run TSA system could help mitigate future disruptions, but there are concerns about the potential challenges of privatization.

The details

Councilman Amos plans to file legislation in the coming weeks to launch a feasibility study on privatizing airport security screening at Hartsfield-Jackson. The study would examine the costs and potential challenges of shifting from the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to a private security contractor approved by the TSA. Amos believes privatization could help insulate the airport from the impacts of government shutdowns and TSA staffing shortages, which have repeatedly caused long security lines. However, TSA union steward George Borek argues that privatization would create more problems than it solves, raising concerns about training, liability, and the city potentially having to assume increased accountability. Borek contends the real solution is for Congress to provide stable, long-term funding for the TSA to prevent disruptions.

  • In March 2026, security lines at Hartsfield-Jackson often stretched for hours, wrapping around baggage claim and even outside the airport.
  • Long security lines became a common sight during the government shutdown in 2025.

The players

Byron Amos

An Atlanta City Councilman and former member of the airport's security team who is proposing a feasibility study on privatizing security screening at Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport.

George Borek

A TSA union steward who warns that privatizing airport security could create more problems than it solves, and argues the real solution is for Congress to provide stable funding for the TSA.

Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport

The world's busiest airport, located in Atlanta, Georgia, that has faced chronic issues with long security lines, especially during government shutdowns and TSA staffing shortages.

Transportation Security Administration (TSA)

The federal agency responsible for airport security screening, which has been affected by funding issues and staffing shortages that have contributed to long lines at Hartsfield-Jackson.

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What they’re saying

“Being a former member of the security team at Hartsfield Jackson, I'm uniquely qualified to say, hey, we need to do something different. Let's look at it, then let's see what it will cost, and finally let's examine the pros and cons to get it done.”

— Byron Amos, Atlanta City Councilman

“That's not solving the problem. That becomes a greater problem. The solution is not privatizing. The solution is addressing the problem. The problem is funding.”

— George Borek, TSA Union Steward

What’s next

Councilman Amos says he will file legislation in the coming weeks to launch the feasibility study on privatizing airport security at Hartsfield-Jackson.

The takeaway

This debate over privatizing airport security screening highlights the ongoing challenges facing the TSA and the need for Congress to provide stable, long-term funding to prevent disruptions to air travel. While privatization may offer some potential benefits, there are also significant concerns that must be carefully weighed.