Story perspectives

Airports Struggle as TSA Workers Quit Amid Shutdown

3/17/2026

Summary

Story summary

The partial U.S. government shutdown has entered its fifth week, with over 300 Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officers quitting or calling in sick due to unpaid work.
Major airlines' CEOs have urged Congress to resolve the funding deadlock, warning of disruptions as spring break approaches.
Some airports report security lines extending outside terminals with wait times over two hours.
Airports are requesting donations to support TSA workers meeting basic needs.

History

Historical Context

The 2013 U.S. government shutdown, lasting 16 days, stemmed from a standoff between President Barack Obama and Congressional Republicans over the Affordable Care Act. This impasse furloughed 800,000 federal employees and disrupted essential services, including airport security operations by the TSA. Such shutdowns, which have occurred multiple times since 1980, highlight ongoing challenges in U.S. government funding and public service delivery.

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Story summary

The partial U.S. government shutdown has entered its fifth week, with over 300 Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officers quitting or calling in sick due to unpaid work.
Major airlines' CEOs have urged Congress to resolve the funding deadlock, warning of disruptions as spring break approaches.
Some airports report security lines extending outside terminals with wait times over two hours.
Airports are requesting donations to support TSA workers meeting basic needs.

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