Austin Airport Gridlock as DHS Shutdown Hits One-Month Mark

Security lines stretch outdoors as unpaid TSA staff and Spring Break crowds overwhelm Austin-Bergstrom International Airport

Mar. 13, 2026 at 7:39pm

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Airport security lines in Austin stretched outside the terminal buildings early Friday, with passengers waiting hours to board their flights. The chaos is a result of the ongoing Department of Homeland Security (DHS) shutdown, which has left Transportation Security Administration (TSA) workers unpaid and led to staffing shortages and massive delays as Spring Break crowds descend on the airport.

Why it matters

The gridlock at Austin-Bergstrom highlights the real-world impact of the political impasse in Washington over immigration reform and DHS funding. As the shutdown drags on, the travel woes are expected to worsen, ratcheting up pressure on lawmakers to reach a deal.

The details

Video footage showed TSA lines well outside at least one terminal at Austin-Bergstrom, with the airport warning passengers to arrive at least 2.5 hours early for Saturday flights. More than 300 TSA workers have quit since the shutdown began, and callouts are double the normal rate, according to a TSA spokesperson. The lack of funding stems from the political dispute over Democratic demands to reform U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) amid the Trump administration's deportation campaign.

  • The security line chaos began around 5 a.m. local time on Friday, March 13, 2026.
  • The lines cleared up about two hours later, around 7 a.m.

The players

Department of Homeland Security (DHS)

The federal agency responsible for securing the United States, including the Transportation Security Administration (TSA).

Transportation Security Administration (TSA)

The agency within DHS responsible for airport security screening and operations.

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)

The federal law enforcement agency under DHS that enforces immigration laws.

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What they’re saying

“Today, tens of thousands of TSA employees are receiving empty paychecks. Zero dollars. Two weeks ago, these same TSA employees received partial paychecks. Last fall, they had to survive 43 days without pay.”

— Chris Sununu, Airlines for America President and CEO, former governor of New Hampshire (FOX Business)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.