Mar 25, 2026 - More than 400 Transportation Security Administration officers have quit their jobs since the partial Department of Homeland Security shutdown began in mid-February, according to department officials.
The resignations have contributed to staffing shortages at airports nationwide, resulting in longer security lines and flight delays during the busy spring travel season. Call-out rates among the roughly 50,000 TSA officers have also risen sharply, exceeding 10 percent on many days and reaching as high as 55 percent at some airports, including Houston Hobby International Airport.
The partial shutdown started on Feb. 14 after Congress failed to pass funding legislation for the Department of Homeland Security. TSA officers, deemed essential workers, have continued reporting for duty but have not received paychecks. Many officers work paycheck to paycheck, and the prolonged lack of pay has prompted increased absences and resignations.
Department of Homeland Security data showed more than 3,250 officers called out on March 21, representing about 11.5 percent of the scheduled national workforce. Higher rates were recorded at major hubs, including over 25 percent at New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport and around 38 percent at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport on certain days. The agency has deployed additional personnel and extended shifts to maintain operations, but wait times have extended to several hours at affected checkpoints.
The TSA has historically faced challenges with attrition, but officials described the current wave of departures as elevated compared with normal rates. Training for new officers typically takes four to six months, meaning replacements will not immediately address the gaps.
Travelers at airports across the country have reported longer queues at security screening areas. Airlines and industry groups have urged passengers to arrive earlier than usual and prepare for potential delays. Some smaller regional airports have faced operational strain, with occasional reports of adjusted procedures to manage reduced staffing.
The Senate confirmed Sen. Markwayne Mullin as the new DHS secretary on March 23. He is expected to assume the role shortly, replacing the previous leadership amid the ongoing funding impasse. The department continues to operate with acting officials in some positions.
As of Wednesday, the shutdown remained in effect with no agreement reached on restoring funding. TSA operations continued at all major airports, though officials warned that prolonged absences and resignations could lead to further disruptions in the coming days.