New Orleans Airport Sees Shorter Security Lines as TSA Staffing Recovers

Travelers can now arrive 2 hours before flights instead of 3 hours during busy travel periods.

Apr. 3, 2026 at 7:51pm

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A highly stylized, geometric illustration depicting the sweeping, monumental architecture of a modern airport terminal, rendered in a bold, Art Deco-inspired visual style using smooth gradients of blue, grey, and silver tones to capture the grand scale and streamlined forms of the airport.As air travel operations stabilize after a disruptive government shutdown, travelers can expect faster security screening times at the New Orleans airport.New Orleans Today

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) staffing levels at Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport are returning to normal after a surge in callouts by unpaid workers during the partial government shutdown. Airport officials say the situation has improved since President Trump signed an executive order to ensure TSA agents receive their back pay.

Why it matters

The recovery in TSA staffing at the New Orleans airport will help alleviate long security lines that had been frustrating travelers during the shutdown, when many TSA agents called out sick due to lack of pay. This is an important development for the city's tourism industry and residents who rely on the airport.

The details

Kevin Dolliole, the airport's director, told the City Council that TSA agents have now received their back pay and staffing levels are returning to normal. As a result, the airport is now recommending travelers arrive about 2 hours before their flight, instead of the previous 3-hour recommendation, including on busy travel days like Sunday and Monday.

  • The partial government shutdown began in February 2026.
  • President Trump signed an executive order to pay TSA agents during the shutdown.

The players

Kevin Dolliole

The director of Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport.

Donald Trump

The President of the United States who signed an executive order to pay TSA agents during the government shutdown.

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What’s next

Airport officials will continue to monitor TSA staffing levels and adjust security line wait time recommendations as needed during the ongoing government shutdown.

The takeaway

The recovery of TSA staffing at the New Orleans airport is a positive development for travelers and the local tourism industry, demonstrating the impact that federal policy decisions can have on critical transportation infrastructure.