Staffing Crisis Looms for TSA Amid Shutdown Fallout

Resignations and absences could disrupt airports during World Cup, officials warn

Apr. 10, 2026 at 11:08am

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A fractured, abstract painting in muted tones depicting the chaotic motion of a TSA security checkpoint, conveying the disruption and uncertainty facing air travel.The chaos of repeated government shutdowns has created a staffing crisis at airports that threatens to disrupt travel during the upcoming World Cup.NYC Today

The hourslong security lines at airports eased after President Trump signed an order to retroactively pay Transportation Security Administration officers, who had worked more than six weeks without compensation because of the partial government shutdown. But the ordeal for both passengers and TSA workers may not be over, as a wave of resignations and absences driven by uncertainty over future paychecks could lead to a staffing crisis threatening to disrupt airports further during the FIFA World Cup soccer tournament.

Why it matters

The TSA has been shut down for more than half of the 2026 fiscal year, resulting in employees working 87 days without pay. This has led to over 500 TSA workers resigning since the partial shutdown began in February, following 1,110 workers who stepped down during the shutdown in October and November. With the latest shutdown coming just three months after the previous one, many officers have been caught up in a cycle of debt, facing eviction, losing child care and having to rely on food banks.

The details

The TSA is facing a potential 'perfect storm' of severe staffing shortages and an influx of millions of passengers at airports for the World Cup games in less than 80 days, according to Ha Nguyen McNeill, the acting TSA administrator. Even after the shutdown ends, the TSA will not be able to hire new officers in time for the World Cup games because of the rigorous training process, which can take between four and six months. Bringing back former workers will also be a challenge without the assurance of continued pay during future shutdowns.

  • The partial government shutdown has lasted for more than half of the 2026 fiscal year, which ends on June 30.
  • By March 27, nearly $1 billion in TSA payroll had not been paid on time.
  • The World Cup soccer tournament starts on June 11.

The players

Ha Nguyen McNeill

The acting TSA administrator who told Congress that the agency is facing a potential 'perfect storm' of severe staffing shortages and an influx of millions of passengers at airports for the World Cup games.

Caleb Harmon-Marshall

A former TSA officer who writes a travel newsletter called Gate Access and believes the only way to bring back former officers is through the promise of uninterrupted paychecks.

LaShanda Palmer

A TSA officer for 24 years and president of the American Federation of Government Employees Local 333 at Philadelphia International Airport, who said that retroactive paychecks will not automatically mean workers can resume their duties.

Johnny Jones

The secretary-treasurer of the American Federation of Government Employees TSA Council 100 union, who has been encouraging workers not to quit and instead to call out if they are unable to work without pay.

Nick Langworthy

A Republican Representative from New York who introduced the Transportation Security Administration Pay Act of 2026, which would ensure that TSA officers are paid through a transportation security fund during future shutdowns.

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What they’re saying

“This is a dire situation. We are facing a potential perfect storm of severe staffing shortages and an influx of millions of passengers at our airports for the World Cup games in less than 80 days.”

— Ha Nguyen McNeill, Acting TSA Administrator

“These government jobs used to represent stability and were attractive to younger people looking to start their lives. But now they are starting to look elsewhere because of how often these shutdowns are happening and how much impact they are having on their lives.”

— Caleb Harmon-Marshall, Former TSA Officer

“People lost their cars, their child care, their accounts went into negative. Everyone is doing their best, but the unknown about pay is very scary.”

— LaShanda Palmer, TSA Officer and President of AFGE Local 333

“This situation has created chaos, it's destroyed people's lives, but it's a temporary issue that will eventually resolve. That's why the union is advocating for a $10,000 bonus for all employees, because they need to be made whole.”

— Johnny Jones, Secretary-Treasurer of AFGE TSA Council 100

What’s next

Congress is expected to debate the Transportation Security Administration Pay Act of 2026, introduced by Representative Nick Langworthy, when it returns from recess. The bill would ensure that TSA officers are paid through a transportation security fund during future shutdowns, like other essential workers.

The takeaway

The frequent government shutdowns under the Trump administration have severely impacted TSA workers, leading to a staffing crisis that threatens to disrupt airports during major events like the upcoming World Cup. Ensuring uninterrupted paychecks for these essential workers is crucial to maintaining airport security and stability.