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Atlanta Today
By the People, for the People
Over 10% of Airport Security Officers Missed Work During Shutdown
Partial government shutdown disrupts travel as TSA officers work without pay
Mar. 17, 2026 at 4:28am
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The Trump administration reported that just over 10% of Transportation Security Administration (TSA) airport security officers did not show up for work on Sunday as the partial government shutdown stretched to 30 days. The standoff in Congress has forced 50,000 TSA officers to work without pay, leading to disruptions in travel and long lines at airports. Major U.S. airline CEOs have urged Congress to quickly end the shutdown.
Why it matters
The ongoing government shutdown is having a significant impact on air travel, with TSA staffing shortages leading to longer wait times for passengers at security checkpoints. This raises concerns about public safety and the ability of the aviation industry to handle the expected record-breaking spring travel season.
The details
The Homeland Security Department said that typically under 2% of TSA workers call in sick or do not report to work, but the rates have spiked to around 20% in major airports like Atlanta, New York JFK, and Houston since February 14 when funding expired. The CEOs of major U.S. airlines have called on Congress to end the standoff, warning that "too many travelers are having to wait in extraordinarily long – and painfully slow – lines at checkpoints." The White House held a call with travel industry officials on Monday as they push for a resolution to the shutdown.
- On Sunday, just over 10% of TSA officers did not show up for work.
- Since February 14, when funding expired, absence rates have spiked to around 20% at major airports.
- The government shutdown has lasted 30 days so far.
The players
Transportation Security Administration (TSA)
The federal agency responsible for airport security in the United States.
U.S. Airlines
Major U.S. airlines, including American Airlines, United Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Southwest Airlines, JetBlue Airways, and Alaska Air, have called for a quick end to the government shutdown.
Department of Homeland Security (DHS)
The federal department that oversees the TSA and reported the spike in TSA officer absences during the shutdown.
What’s next
The White House is continuing to engage with travel industry officials as they push for a resolution to the government shutdown, which is disrupting air travel. Congress will need to act quickly to end the standoff and restore full staffing at TSA checkpoints before the busy spring travel season.
The takeaway
The ongoing government shutdown is having a significant impact on the aviation industry, with TSA staffing shortages leading to longer wait times for passengers at security checkpoints. This raises concerns about public safety and the ability of the industry to handle the expected record-breaking spring travel season, underscoring the need for Congress to quickly resolve the political impasse.
