Trending Now - TSA Faces Challenges Amid Funding Crisis and Flight Cancellations

WHO:

Adam Stahl, Acting Deputy Transportation Security Administration (TSA) Administrator

Sean Duffy, Transportation Secretary

Aaron Barker, President of AMG local 550

Kelly Price, traveler

Danielle Cash, traveler

Mel Stewart, traveler

American Federation of Government Employees, TSA workers' union

WHAT:

TSA workers are currently working without pay due to a partial government shutdown.

About 300 TSA officers have quit since the start of the shutdown.

The nationwide callout rate for TSA workers has increased to 10.19% during the shutdown, compared to 2% before.

More than 4,400 flights were canceled and approximately 10,400 flights were delayed on March 16th, 2026.

Travelers were advised to arrive at least four hours early at some airports due to long security lines.

TSA workers reported facing eviction notices, vehicle repossessions, and financial hardships.

WHERE:

William P. Hobby Airport, Houston, Texas

Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport, Atlanta, Georgia

Chicago O'Hare International Airport, Chicago, Illinois

John F. Kennedy International Airport, New York

Louis Armstrong International Airport, New Orleans, Louisiana

Austin, Texas

WHEN:

The partial government shutdown began on February 14th, 2026.

TSA workers missed their first full paycheck over the weekend of March 12th-13th, 2026.

On March 16th, 2026, over 4,400 flights were canceled and 10,400 were delayed.

WHY:

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) funding lapsed, leading to the partial government shutdown.

TSA workers are facing financial strain due to the shutdown, leading to increased attrition and callout rates.

HOW:

TSA has depleted its National Deployment Office of available workers, leading to stretched resources.

Travelers are advised to arrive earlier at airports due to longer security lines caused by staffing shortages.

(UPDATED March 17, 2026 17:24 UTC)

TSA workers are currently facing significant challenges as they work without pay due to a partial government shutdown that began on February 14, resulting in over 4,400 flight cancellations and more than 10,400 delays just yesterday. The nationwide callout rate for TSA officers has surged to over 10 percent, with about 300 officers quitting since the shutdown started, leading to longer security lines and travelers being advised to arrive at least four hours early at some airports. Many TSA employees are experiencing severe financial hardships, including eviction notices and vehicle repossessions, as they missed their first full paycheck over the weekend.