The ongoing government shutdown is creating unpredictable security conditions at airports across the country. Here is what travelers need to know and how to stay ahead of delays.
The partial government shutdown that began in late 2025 continues into its fourth month, and its impact on airport security is becoming more pronounced. TSA screeners, classified as essential employees, continue to report to work — but without regular paychecks, staffing levels are increasingly unpredictable.
TSA employs approximately 47,000 Transportation Security Officers (TSOs) across the United States. During the shutdown, these officers are required to work but are not receiving their regular paychecks. While Congress has historically provided back pay after shutdowns end, the financial strain is real and immediate.
The effects on airport security include:
The impact is not uniform. Airports with strong local data sources and efficient management have maintained relatively normal operations, while others have seen significant degradation.
Most affected: ORD (Chicago O'Hare), EWR (Newark), PHL (Philadelphia), and MIA (Miami) have consistently shown the highest increases in wait times during the shutdown.
Least affected: ATL (Atlanta), DFW (Dallas-Fort Worth), and DEN (Denver) have managed staffing challenges better, though they are not immune to disruptions.
Check the live status of all 50 airports we monitor for the most current conditions.
With the official TSA data feed offline, GateReady has expanded its intelligence network to ensure travelers still have accurate information:
As of March 2026, there is no clear timeline for resolution. Congressional negotiations continue, but no agreement has been reached. TSA has stated that security will not be compromised — checkpoints will remain open even if some lanes are closed — but the passenger experience will continue to be affected until normal funding resumes.
We will update this article as the situation develops. Sign up for alerts to stay informed.
Found this useful? Share it with fellow travelers.
GateReady monitors 50 US airports and sends proactive alerts when wait times spike. Free to start, no credit card required.
Federal government shutdowns directly affect TSA operations at most US airports. Here is exactly how shutdowns change the security experience, which airports are immune, and how to prepare.
From 3D scanners eliminating laptop removal to biometric boarding gates, airport security in 2026 looks different than it did even two years ago. Here is what has changed and where things are headed.
Do you need to go through security again on a connecting flight? The answer depends on whether your connection is domestic or international. Here is everything you need to know.