Long Security Lines Return to Baltimore Airport

TSA union anticipates more officers will quit amid ongoing government shutdown

Mar. 26, 2026 at 11:42pm

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After days without serious backups, long security lines returned Thursday to Baltimore's airport on the 40th day of the partial government shutdown. A surge in spring break travel coinciding with another wave of Transportation Security Administration officer callouts created a crowd that had even frequent fliers scratching their heads.

Why it matters

The ongoing government shutdown has severely impacted the TSA, with many officers unable to afford to come to work. This has led to long security lines at airports across the country, including Baltimore-Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport, raising concerns about the impact on travelers and the potential for more TSA officers to quit.

The details

Only one TSA security line — Checkpoint C — was open Thursday at BWI-Marshall as travelers arrived in waves starting in the late morning. Airport workers and travelers said the lines stretched all the way to the international terminal by 7 a.m. Sources said 125 TSA officers at BWI-Marshall called out for the noon shift — that's 80% of those scheduled to be on the job.

  • On Thursday, long security lines returned to BWI-Marshall airport.
  • The partial government shutdown is now on its 40th day.

The players

Transportation Security Administration (TSA)

The federal agency responsible for security screening at U.S. airports.

Baltimore-Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI-Marshall)

The main airport serving the Baltimore metropolitan area.

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What’s next

Union leaders said it's a breaking point and they anticipate members will start quitting en masse next week as the TSA officers at BWI-Marshall again won't have any money in their paychecks on Friday.

The takeaway

The ongoing government shutdown is having a severe impact on the TSA, leading to long security lines at airports and the potential for more officers to quit their jobs. This highlights the need for a resolution to the shutdown in order to ensure the continued smooth operation of the nation's air travel system.