TSA Shutdown: Airport Security Delays Rise as Staffing Shortages Worsen

Philadelphia Airport Navigates TSA Closures Amid Government Impasse

Travel through Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) is facing increasing disruption as the ongoing partial government shutdown forces the temporary closure of additional Transportation Security Administration (TSA) checkpoints. Starting Wednesday, March 18, 2026, security lanes at Terminals A-West and F have been shuttered, joining Terminal C, which closed last week, exacerbating concerns about potential delays for passengers. Despite the closures, airport officials report that current wait times remain manageable, though the situation is fluid and could worsen with increased travel volume.

The closures stem from a surge in unscheduled absences among TSA workers who missed their first full paycheck over the weekend due to the shutdown. Although deemed essential employees and required to work without pay, a growing number are calling out, straining the agency’s resources. At least 366 TSA workers have already resigned nationwide rather than continue working without compensation, according to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

The Expanding Impact of the Shutdown

The situation at PHL mirrors a growing trend across the United States. At George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston, wait times ranged from three to 45 minutes on Monday morning, according to the IAH website. Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport, one of the nation’s busiest, reported security checkpoint wait times of 10 to 25 minutes on Wednesday afternoon, though officials caution that these times can fluctuate significantly and recommend travelers arrive two to three hours before departure. Airline Airport provides updated wait time information.

The current impasse in Congress centers on the Trump administration’s immigration enforcement policies, specifically those carried out by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP). Democrats are seeking reforms to these agencies following the deaths of two Americans in Minneapolis involving federal agents. Republicans and the White House maintain that sufficient changes have already been implemented. This disagreement has triggered a partial shutdown of the Department of Homeland Security, impacting not only the TSA but also the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Coast Guard. Crucially, the shutdown does not affect ICE or other immigration enforcement operations.

A Staffing Crisis Unfolds

The impact on TSA staffing has been significant. DHS reported over 100 incidents over the weekend where staffing shortages threatened “operational integrity” at U.S. Airports, leading to wait times exceeding an hour for thousands of travelers. Houston’s Hobby Airport experienced the highest callout rate, with 55% of TSA workers absent on Saturday, marking the highest percentage since the agency’s funding expired in mid-February. The agency has reported that the number of unscheduled callouts has more than doubled at many key airports since the shutdown began.

Despite the closures, PHL is attempting to mitigate disruptions. TSA PreCheck remains available at Terminals A-East and D/E. Passengers traveling through the closed terminals can still access security checkpoints in other terminals, as all terminals are connected after security screening. The airport is also reallocating staff to optimize operations at the remaining checkpoints. As of noon on Wednesday, wait times at open checkpoints ranged from two to 22 minutes, according to the PHL website.

Political Fallout and Proposed Legislation

The shutdown and its impact on air travel have not gone unnoticed by lawmakers. Senator John Cornyn of Texas, currently in a competitive Republican runoff election, has introduced the “Conclude Special Treatment for Congress at Airports Act.” This bill aims to eliminate “courtesy escorts” and preferential treatment for members of Congress when going through TSA security. NBC News provides coverage of Cornyn’s bill and the ongoing Senate race.

What’s Confirmed and What Remains Unclear

Confirmed: Terminals A-West, C, and F at Philadelphia International Airport have temporarily closed their TSA checkpoints as of March 18, 2026. Wait times at remaining checkpoints are currently reported as ranging from two to 22 minutes. The closures are directly linked to the ongoing partial government shutdown and resulting TSA staffing shortages. At least 366 TSA workers have resigned nationwide due to the shutdown.

Unclear: The exact timeline for reopening the closed checkpoints remains unknown. The duration of the government shutdown and the prospects for a resolution are also uncertain. The long-term impact of the staffing shortages on airport security and travel efficiency is yet to be fully assessed. It is also unclear how the proposed legislation from Senator Cornyn will affect airport security procedures, even if passed.

Looking Ahead: Navigating the Impasse

The immediate future of air travel through PHL, and across the nation, hinges on the resolution of the government shutdown. Negotiations between Democrats and Republicans remain stalled, with both sides holding firm on their positions regarding immigration enforcement. A potential path forward could involve a short-term funding extension to allow for continued negotiations, but even that is not guaranteed. Travelers are advised to check the PHL website and the TSA website for the latest updates on checkpoint status and wait times, and to arrive at the airport well in advance of their scheduled departure – the airport recommends 2.5 hours for domestic flights and 3.5 hours for international flights. The situation remains dynamic, and passengers should anticipate potential disruptions and plan accordingly.