Airport Security Delays Persist Amid DHS Shutdown
Staffing shortages at TSA lead to longer screening times and growing frustration for travelers across the US as the homeland security department shutdown continues.
Travelers across the United States are continuing to face significant delays at airport security checkpoints as the ongoing Department of Homeland Security (DHS) shutdown continues to impact staffing of the Transportation Security Administration (TSA).
With TSA workers going weeks without pay, staffing shortages have intensified, leading to longer screening times and growing frustration among passengers. The shutdown, which began in late 2025, has left many essential DHS employees, including TSA agents, working without compensation, further exacerbating an already strained security infrastructure.
The situation has become particularly challenging at major airports, where lines have swelled and wait times have ballooned, often exceeding the recommended 30-minute threshold for standard screening. Passengers have reported spending up to two hours or more waiting to clear security, disrupting travel plans and adding stress to the already hectic airport experience.
Source: The Guardian
