BWI-Marshall Airport Unaffected as Other Airports Struggle During DHS Shutdown

TSA agents working without pay lead to long security lines at some airports, but Baltimore's main airport remains operational.

Published on Mar. 10, 2026

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As the partial government shutdown continues, TSA agents are working without pay, leading to staffing shortages and long security lines at airports across the country. However, Baltimore-Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI-Marshall) has remained largely unaffected, with normal operations and no significant delays reported. While travelers at other airports, such as Houston's Hobby airport and the Armstrong New Orleans airport, have experienced hours-long waits, BWI-Marshall has maintained its regular security checkpoint operations.

Why it matters

The ongoing government shutdown and its impact on the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has raised concerns about the ability of the TSA to maintain airport security and efficient operations during a time of high travel demand. The situation highlights the potential vulnerabilities in the nation's transportation infrastructure when federal agencies are affected by political gridlock.

The details

The partial government shutdown has led to TSA agents working without pay, and many have called out, resulting in long security lines at airports across the country. Travelers at Houston's Hobby airport and the Armstrong New Orleans airport have reported waiting up to three hours to get through security. However, at BWI-Marshall, the airport has maintained regular operations with no long waits reported. The airport has worked closely with the TSA and other federal partners to monitor the situation and ensure the safety and security of passengers.

  • The partial government shutdown began in late 2018 and is still ongoing as of March 2026.
  • On Monday, March 10, 2026, security lines were stretched out of airports and into parking lots due to the shutdown.

The players

BWI-Marshall Airport

The main airport serving the Baltimore-Washington metropolitan area, known for its efficient operations and lack of major disruptions during the ongoing government shutdown.

Transportation Security Administration (TSA)

The federal agency responsible for airport security, which has been affected by the partial government shutdown, leading to staffing shortages and long security lines at some airports.

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What they’re saying

“It would be good if these guys got paid for what they do. They're vital to our safety going through the airports here. I think they should get paid. Government spending should not affect their employment.”

— Lenford Martin, Traveler (WBAL-TV 11 News)

“It was chaotic. Very frustrating. Just hoping, begging for it to end. I mean, there was nothing you could do.”

— Adereio Jones, Traveler (WBAL-TV 11 News)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.