Homeland Security Shutdown Threatens Travel Chaos

TSA officers expected to work without pay as lawmakers fail to reach DHS funding deal

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, raising concerns about potential travel disruptions as the busy spring break season approaches.

Why it matters

The shutdown could lead to staffing shortages and longer security lines at airports, potentially causing widespread flight delays and cancellations, which would disrupt travel plans for millions of Americans. This comes after a previous 43-day government shutdown last year that caused historic flight cancellations and long delays.

The details

About 95% of TSA workers are deemed essential personnel and required to keep working, but they will not be paid during the shutdown. Disruptions to air travel tend to build over time, and even a handful of unscheduled TSA absences could quickly lead to longer wait times at smaller airports. Airlines might also 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 expired at midnight on February 14, 2026.
  • The previous 43-day government shutdown that caused travel disruptions ended on November 12 of the previous year.

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 is responsible for the agency's annual funding.

Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)

The agency that employs air traffic controllers, who will continue to receive paychecks as usual during the DHS shutdown.

John Clark

A frequent business traveler who was impacted by the previous government shutdown and is worried about the current one.

John Rose

The chief risk officer for global travel management company Altour.

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What they’re saying

“You might not be able to get home if you're already out, or it might delay if you worked all week and you're trying to get home. It's really bad.”

— John Clark, Frequent business traveler (PBS NewsHour)

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

— John Rose, Chief risk officer, Altour (PBS NewsHour)

“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 (PBS NewsHour)

What’s next

Lawmakers in both chambers were on notice to return to Washington if a deal to end the shutdown is struck, as Democrats have said they won't help approve more DHS funding until new restrictions are placed on federal immigration operations.

The takeaway

This shutdown highlights the vulnerabilities of the U.S. travel system to political gridlock, and the potential for widespread disruptions to air travel that could impact millions of Americans if a resolution is not reached quickly.