BWI Airport Operations Return to Normal After Disruptions

TSA wait times at Baltimore-Washington International Airport are back within standard ranges after hours-long lines last week.

Mar. 31, 2026 at 12:10pm

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A bold, geometric illustration depicting the grand scale and streamlined forms of an airport terminal, with sweeping gradients and towering forced perspectives, conceptually representing the efficient operations at BWI Airport's security checkpoints.The return to efficient operations at BWI Airport's security checkpoints signals a relief for travelers, though underlying staffing challenges at the TSA remain a concern.Baltimore Today

Operations at Baltimore-Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport have largely returned to normal after experiencing hours-long security lines and travel disruptions last week. Airport officials are reporting short wait times of less than 10 to 25 minutes at security checkpoints on Tuesday, with most lines well within the normal range.

Why it matters

The long security lines and travel disruptions at BWI last week highlighted the impact of staffing issues within the Transportation Security Administration, which saw over 500 workers quit amid the partial government shutdown and thousands call out each day without paychecks. The return to normal operations is a relief for travelers, especially those heading to the airport for spring break.

The details

On Monday, travelers were able to breeze through security checkpoints at BWI with wait times under 10 minutes for most of the day. Airport officials have returned to advising people to arrive 2 hours before their flight, after telling travelers to come 3 to 4 hours ahead during the disruptions last week. The airport described the past few days as 'difficult' but said 'quick and efficient checkpoint operations' had returned.

  • On Monday, travelers experienced short wait times under 10 minutes at BWI.
  • On Sunday, over 38% of BWI's TSA workers called out, the highest rate in the U.S.

The players

Jonathan Dean

A spokesman for BWI Airport.

Donald Trump

The President of the United States who signed an executive order on Friday to provide back pay to TSA workers affected by the partial government shutdown.

Department of Homeland Security

Provided figures showing that more than 500 TSA workers quit amid the shutdown, and thousands called out each day while not receiving paychecks.

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What they’re saying

“Lines at security checkpoints are 'well within the normal range' Tuesday morning, with no significant waits.”

— Jonathan Dean, BWI Airport spokesman

What’s next

Airport officials will continue to monitor operations and staffing levels at BWI to ensure a smooth travel experience for passengers.

The takeaway

The return to normal operations at BWI Airport after last week's disruptions is a positive sign, but the underlying staffing issues within the TSA remain a concern that could impact travel in the future if not properly addressed.