TSA Agents Work Without Pay as Another Shutdown Hits U.S. Airports

Travelers brace for potential delays and disruptions as DHS funding lapses

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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A shutdown of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security that took effect early Saturday impacts the agency responsible for screening passengers and bags at airports across the country. Transportation Security Administration officers are expected to work without pay while lawmakers remain without an agreement on DHS' annual funding. Experts warn that the shutdown could lead to longer security lines and potential flight delays as the busy spring travel season approaches.

Why it matters

The latest DHS shutdown comes just a year after a 43-day government shutdown that led to historic flight cancellations and long delays at U.S. airports. While air traffic controllers will continue to receive paychecks this time, the shutdown still threatens to disrupt air travel and the broader travel industry as the busy spring break season approaches.

The details

About 95% of TSA workers are deemed essential personnel and required to keep working without pay. During past shutdowns, disruptions to air travel tended to build over time, but experts say strains could surface at airports more quickly this time because the TSA workforce will be remembering the last shutdown. Airlines might decide to delay departures in some cases to wait for passengers to clear screening, and shortages of TSA officers could slow the screening of checked luggage.

  • The DHS funding lapsed at midnight on February 15, 2026.
  • The previous 43-day government shutdown ended on November 12, 2025.

The players

Transportation Security Administration (TSA)

The agency responsible for screening passengers and bags at airports across the country.

U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS)

The federal agency that oversees the TSA and whose funding has lapsed, leading to the latest shutdown.

U.S. Travel

A trade group for the U.S. travel industry that warned the shutdown threatens to disrupt air travel.

Airlines for America

A trade group for major U.S. airlines that warned the shutdown threatens to disrupt air travel.

American Hotel & Lodging Association

A trade group for the hotel industry that warned the shutdown threatens to disrupt air travel.

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What they’re saying

“I tell people to do this even in good times.”

— John Rose, Chief risk officer, Altour (theday.com)

“Not only are they not getting paid, they're probably working with reduced staff and dealing with angry travelers.”

— John Rose, Chief risk officer, Altour (theday.com)

What’s next

Lawmakers in both chambers were on notice to return if a deal to end the shutdown is struck.

The takeaway

The latest DHS shutdown threatens to disrupt air travel and the broader travel industry just as the busy spring break season approaches, underscoring the need for a long-term solution to avoid repeated disruptions to essential government services like airport security.