Travelers at Logan Airport Brace for Potential Effects of Partial Government Shutdown

TSA agents expected to work without pay as Department of Homeland Security remains shut down.

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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Travelers at Boston's Logan Airport are showing support for TSA agents and bracing for potential impacts from the ongoing partial government shutdown. The vast majority of TSA agents are considered essential workers and are expected to continue working without pay as the Department of Homeland Security remains shut down due to a funding impasse in Washington.

Why it matters

The partial government shutdown could lead to staffing shortages and long lines at airport security checkpoints, as was seen during the last shutdown when some TSA agents and air traffic controllers began calling out. This could cause significant disruptions for travelers at one of the busiest airports in the Northeast.

The details

During the last 43-day government shutdown, TSA workers went without pay but continued to work. Some received $10,000 bonuses from the Department of Homeland Security for their service. Travelers at Logan Airport are thanking the TSA agents who are showing up to work despite the lack of pay, recognizing that they don't have to come in but are choosing to serve the public. However, there are concerns that the staffing shortages could lead to long lines and flight delays or cancellations if the shutdown drags on.

  • The partial government shutdown is ongoing as of February 16, 2026.
  • The last government shutdown lasted 43 days in late 2018 and early 2019.

The players

TSA Agents

Essential workers at the Transportation Security Administration who are expected to continue working without pay during the partial government shutdown.

Kristi Noem

The current Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security, who provided $10,000 bonuses to some TSA workers during the last government shutdown.

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What they’re saying

“They're the core. They are where our safety starts in the air. During the holidays, they were heroes. They went all those weeks without pay.”

— Rhom Saunders, Traveler (boston25news.com)

“The people that do come in, we thank them, because they don't have to. They can stay at home, but they want to serve us, the customers. And so, for that, we appreciate it.”

— Latisha Roodbeen, Traveler (boston25news.com)

What’s next

Lawmakers in Washington will need to reach an agreement on a funding bill to end the partial government shutdown and ensure TSA agents and other federal workers are paid.

The takeaway

This partial government shutdown highlights the vital role that TSA agents and other federal workers play in maintaining the safety and operations of the nation's transportation system. Travelers are expressing gratitude for the TSA agents who are continuing to work without pay, but there are concerns that prolonged staffing shortages could lead to significant disruptions at airports like Logan.