Two Security Checkpoints Reopen at Philadelphia Airport

Terminal A-West and Terminal C checkpoints resume operations after weeks of closures due to TSA staffing shortages.

Apr. 3, 2026 at 12:05pm

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A bold, geometric illustration in the Art Deco style, depicting the sweeping, monumental architecture of a major airport terminal with sleek, streamlined forms and a sense of grandeur, capturing the renewed operations at Philadelphia International Airport.The reopening of key security checkpoints at Philadelphia International Airport signals a return to normalcy after weeks of disruptions caused by staffing shortages.Philadelphia Today

The Terminal A-West and Terminal C security checkpoints at Philadelphia International Airport have reopened after being closed for weeks due to a TSA staffing shortage caused by the partial government shutdown. The Terminal A-West checkpoint, primarily used by international travelers, reopened on Friday morning, while the Terminal C checkpoint, which is TSA PreCheck only, reopened on Thursday. The Terminal F checkpoint is scheduled to reopen on Tuesday, April 7th, leaving only the Terminal D/E checkpoint still closed, resulting in longer wait times for passengers.

Why it matters

The reopening of these security checkpoints at PHL Airport is a positive development for travelers, as it will help alleviate the long lines and delays that have plagued the airport in recent weeks due to the staffing shortages. The partial government shutdown has had a significant impact on the TSA, leading many officers to call out or quit as their paychecks stopped coming in.

The details

The Terminal A-West checkpoint, which primarily serves international travelers, reopened at 5 AM on Friday morning with few issues. The Terminal C checkpoint, which is TSA PreCheck only, reopened on Thursday. The Terminal F checkpoint is scheduled to reopen on Tuesday, April 7th, leaving only the Terminal D/E checkpoint still closed. This has resulted in longer wait times at the remaining open checkpoint, with an estimated wait time of 36 to 41 minutes at one point on Friday.

  • The Terminal A-West checkpoint reopened on Friday, April 3rd.
  • The Terminal C checkpoint reopened on Thursday, April 2nd.
  • The Terminal F checkpoint is scheduled to reopen on Tuesday, April 7th.

The players

Philadelphia International Airport

The major airport serving the Philadelphia metropolitan area, located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Transportation Security Administration (TSA)

The federal agency responsible for security in all modes of transportation in the United States, including airport security checkpoints.

President Donald Trump

The 45th President of the United States, who signed an executive order that allowed TSA officers to start getting paid again after the partial government shutdown.

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What’s next

The Terminal F checkpoint at PHL Airport is scheduled to reopen on Tuesday, April 7th, which will leave only the Terminal D/E checkpoint still closed. Airport officials will continue to monitor the situation and work to fully restore normal operations as quickly as possible.

The takeaway

The reopening of the security checkpoints at PHL Airport is a positive step forward after weeks of disruptions caused by the TSA staffing shortages during the partial government shutdown. While some challenges remain, the airport is working to get back to normal operations and provide a smoother travel experience for passengers.