Congress Faces Pressure as TSA Worker Funding Runs Dry

Fri Mar 27 2026 01:25:12 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) warns of potential airport closures due to staffing shortages and funding issues, raising concerns about the air travel system.

As funding for the TSA continues to lapse, officials have warned that prolonged payroll issues could lead to a significant reduction in airport operations, particularly impacting smaller airports. The TSA has reported high absenteeism rates among staff, exacerbating security delays and potentially leading to airport closures. Key officials have indicated that a list of about 75 airports could close to redirect resources to major hubs. With almost 11% of TSA officers missing shifts nationwide, the situation is becoming critical, prompting discussions of invoking a national emergency to provide financial relief.

Problems at U.S. airports are escalating as funding for the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) remains unresolved, threatening significant disruptions in air travel. According to federal officials, staffing shortages prompted by the lack of pay for TSA officers may lead to closures of some smaller airports.

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy has expressed strong concerns regarding the ongoing situation, stating that many more airport screeners might resign or call in sick after missing their second paycheck since mid-February, a direct result of the funding freeze that has persisted since February 14.

This level of disruption is unprecedented,” said Ha Nguyen McNeill, the agency’s acting administrator, highlighting the urgent need for Congress to address the funding gap. “We are being forced to consolidate lanes and may have to close smaller airports if we do not have enough officers.”

While no specific airports have been confirmed yet, the TSA is already preparing for the unfortunate reality that certain facilities might need to shut down operations entirely. The agency has identified approximately 75 airports that are at risk of closure due to resource reallocation in response to longer wait times at larger hubs.

The organization representing TSA workers reported that about 11% of officers nationwide have missed shifts recently, with figures exceeding 40% at certain airports, causing massive wait times and severely overcrowded terminals.

The situation escalated recently when the Biden administration floated the idea of declaring a national emergency to provide emergency pay for TSA workers, but implementation details remain vague and unconfirmed.

Key aviation security experts have voiced concerns that the potential looming airport closures could disproportionately harm certain airports, hinting that smaller regional airports particularly might be at risk depending on officer availability. Jeff Price, an airport security expert, asserted that all airports have a necessary role within the National Airspace System and advised against underestimating the implications of these closures across broader travel networks.

As the uncertainty continues, local economies that are reliant on smaller airport operations face significant risks, including job losses and decreased accessibility for travelers. With critical financial strains on TSA officers amidst growing delays and potential airport shutdowns, the need for a resolution is pressing.