Airports Report Long Lines as Airlines Urge Congress to Fund DHS

Security wait times exceed 2 hours at some airports due to partial government shutdown

Published on Mar. 10, 2026

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Airports across the country are reporting increased wait times at security checkpoints as a partial government shutdown continues to impact the Transportation Security Administration. Airlines for America, which represents major U.S. carriers, is urging Congress to swiftly resolve the funding impasse for the Department of Homeland Security.

Why it matters

The shutdown is having real consequences for travelers and aviation workers, with TSA lines reaching 2-3 hours long at some airports. This is occurring during the busy spring break travel season when record numbers of people are expected to fly, raising concerns about delays and disruptions to the transportation system.

The details

At Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport, officials advised travelers to arrive at least 3 hours in advance due to TSA security wait times exceeding 2 hours. Airlines for America's president and CEO Chris Sununu said the shutdown is causing 'significant strains' across the aviation system, with TSA officers facing $0 paychecks this week.

  • The partial government shutdown is ongoing.

The players

Airlines for America

A trade organization that represents major U.S. airlines.

Chris Sununu

President and CEO of Airlines for America.

Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport

An airport located in New Orleans, Louisiana.

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What they’re saying

“As TSA officers are facing a $0 paycheck this week, we are seeing firsthand the significant strains that the current DHS shutdown is causing across the aviation system. TSA lines are two and three hours long at some airports, causing flights to be delayed and passengers to miss flights.”

— Chris Sununu, President and CEO, Airlines for America

What’s next

Congress and the administration must act with urgency to reach a deal that reopens the Department of Homeland Security and ends the partial government shutdown.

The takeaway

The ongoing partial government shutdown is having real and disruptive impacts on the aviation system, with long TSA security lines causing delays and disruptions for travelers during the busy spring break travel season. This underscores the need for Congress and the administration to quickly resolve the funding impasse for the Department of Homeland Security.