TSA Absences Remain High as Shutdown Continues

Nationwide absenteeism rate falls slightly but major airports see much higher rates

Mar. 20, 2026 at 9:24pm

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Absences among Transportation Security Administration (TSA) airport security officers fell slightly on Thursday to 9.8% nationwide, but were significantly higher at major airports, with rates reaching as high as 32% at some locations.

Why it matters

The high TSA absenteeism rates at major airports raise concerns about potential security vulnerabilities and travel disruptions as the partial government shutdown continues.

The details

According to the Homeland Security Department, the TSA absenteeism rate fell from 10.2% on Wednesday to 9.8% nationwide on Thursday. However, the rates were much higher at some of the country's busiest airports, including 29% at New York's JFK, 27% at New Orleans, 23% at Baltimore-Washington, 32% at Atlanta, and over 30% at both Houston airports.

  • On Thursday, March 20, 2026, the nationwide TSA absenteeism rate was 9.8%.
  • On Wednesday, March 19, 2026, the nationwide TSA absenteeism rate was 10.2%.

The players

Transportation Security Administration (TSA)

The federal agency responsible for airport security in the United States.

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The takeaway

The high TSA absenteeism rates at major airports during the ongoing government shutdown raise concerns about potential security vulnerabilities and travel disruptions, underscoring the need for a resolution to the impasse.