Storms Disrupt Flights Across US as Shutdown Strains TSA Staffing

Hundreds of flights canceled or delayed amid winter weather and security checkpoint issues

Mar. 17, 2026 at 4:11am

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Powerful storms swept across the eastern half of the United States on Monday, disrupting thousands of flights and causing hundreds of cancellations and delays. The disruptions come as the ongoing partial government shutdown has strained staffing at Transportation Security Administration (TSA) checkpoints, leading to longer security wait times at some airports.

Why it matters

The combination of severe weather and staffing shortages at TSA checkpoints due to the government shutdown has created significant travel disruptions for passengers across the country. This highlights the broader impact of political gridlock on critical public services and infrastructure.

The details

More than 550 flights scheduled to fly into, out of or within the U.S. were canceled as of early Tuesday, with over 460 additional delays. Major hubs like New York's LaGuardia Airport, Chicago's O'Hare International, and Atlanta's Hartsfield-Jackson International saw hundreds of cancellations. The Federal Aviation Administration ordered ground stops and delays at several airports due to the severe weather. The shutdown has also led to TSA staffing shortages, with union leaders warning of increasingly long security wait times as more agents take second jobs or leave the profession altogether.

  • The storms swept across the eastern half of the country on Monday.
  • Travelers faced additional delays and cancellations on Tuesday.

The players

Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport

One of the busiest airports in the world, located in Atlanta, Georgia.

Transportation Security Administration (TSA)

The federal agency responsible for security screening at U.S. airports, which has been impacted by staffing shortages due to the government shutdown.

Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)

The federal agency that regulates and oversees civil aviation in the United States, including issuing ground stops and delays at airports due to severe weather.

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What they’re saying

“By that time the only place for us to sleep was the airport floor. So we're all tired and frustrated.”

— Kelly Price

“Many TSA workers 'are coping with eviction notices, vehicle repossessions, empty refrigerators and overdrawn bank accounts.'”

— Aaron Barker, Local leader, American Federation of Government Employees

What’s next

As the government shutdown continues, airport officials and TSA union leaders warn that security wait times could worsen, further exacerbating travel disruptions for passengers.

The takeaway

The confluence of severe winter weather and the ongoing government shutdown has created a perfect storm of travel chaos, underscoring the need for policymakers to find a resolution that protects critical public services and infrastructure.