WASHINGTON — The Transportation Security Administration warned that staffing shortages caused by the ongoing partial government shutdown could force the temporary closure of smaller U.S. airports if funding is not restored soon.
Acting TSA Administrator Ha Nguyen McNeill told a House Homeland Security Committee hearing on Wednesday that the agency is consolidating security lanes at major airports and may have to shut down operations at some smaller facilities with limited checkpoints. She cited rising call-out rates and officer attrition as key factors straining operations nationwide.
The partial shutdown of the Department of Homeland Security began on Feb. 14 after Congress failed to agree on appropriations. Funding lapsed for most DHS components, including the TSA, leaving tens of thousands of transportation security officers working without regular paychecks. By Friday, the agency is expected to have missed nearly $1 billion in payroll, according to TSA officials.
More than 480 TSA officers have quit since the shutdown started, a significant increase compared with previous periods. Daily call-out rates have risen from about 4 percent before the lapse to 11 percent nationwide, with some airports reporting absences exceeding 40 percent. The agency has already lost hundreds of officers during earlier short-term funding disruptions in 2025.
Smaller airports, many of which operate with only one or two security lanes, are particularly vulnerable. Officials said a handful of call-outs at these facilities could halt screening entirely, forcing temporary closures to maintain security standards. Larger hubs have seen extended lines and flight delays as the agency redirects resources.
The warnings come as travelers face the longest security wait times in TSA history during the busy spring travel season. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy and other administration officials have echoed concerns about potential closures at smaller airports if the situation persists.
As of Friday morning, the Senate had approved legislation to fund most DHS operations, including the TSA, while setting aside certain immigration enforcement funding for separate consideration. The measure awaits House action before it can reach President Donald Trump. TSA officers would receive back pay once funding is restored, but the immediate staffing crisis continues to affect airport operations across the country.
