TSA Callouts Threaten to Shut Down Airports Amid Government Shutdown

Lack of pay for TSA agents leads to mass resignations and absences, potentially paralyzing air travel

Mar. 21, 2026 at 1:23pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The ongoing government shutdown has led to a massive wave of TSA agents quitting or calling out sick, with over 350 agents nationwide having already resigned. This has resulted in security lines stretching for hours at airports across the country, and TSA's acting deputy administrator has warned that they may have to "quite literally shut down airports, particularly smaller ones" if the callout rates continue to rise.

Why it matters

The potential shutdown of airports would have severe economic and logistical consequences, disrupting air travel for millions of passengers and businesses. It highlights the impact of political gridlock on critical government services and infrastructure.

The details

Since the Department of Homeland Security shutdown on February 14, around 50,000 TSA workers have been working without pay. This has led to a massive wave of resignations and callouts, with over 350 agents nationwide having quit and thousands more calling out sick every day. Security lines have stretched to over 2 hours at airports around the country, with some like Houston's George Bush Intercontinental Airport exceeding 180 minutes. Smaller airports are at the greatest risk of being forced to shut down completely if the staffing shortages continue.

  • The DHS shutdown began on February 14, 2026.
  • Over 350 TSA agents have quit nationwide since the shutdown began.
  • Security lines have stretched to over 2 hours at airports across the country.

The players

Adam Stahl

The acting deputy administrator of the TSA, who has warned that airports may have to be shut down if callout rates continue to rise.

John Thune

The Senate Majority Leader, who called the situation "a pox on everybody's house".

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“It's not hyperbole to suggest that we may have to quite literally shut down airports, particularly smaller ones, if call-out rates go up.”

— Adam Stahl, Acting Deputy Administrator, TSA

“This is a pox on everybody's house.”

— John Thune, Senate Majority Leader

What’s next

Lawmakers are scrambling to find an emergency stopgap measure to fund the DHS and prevent the potential shutdown of airports, but many are not optimistic about a quick resolution.

The takeaway

The TSA staffing crisis caused by the government shutdown highlights the fragility of critical infrastructure and the need for political leaders to find bipartisan solutions to avoid disrupting essential public services.