The Digester
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US airport security sees longest wait times in TSA history

A weeks-long Department of Homeland Security funding shutdown has driven hundreds of unpaid TSA officers to leave, producing staffing shortages, historic wait times above 4.5 hours and disruptions at major US airports.

Mar 26th 2026 ยท United States

Insights

  • Weeks-long DHS funding shutdown has caused severe staffing shortages at the Transportation Security Administration.
  • TSA has lost more than 480 transportation security officers during the funding lapse.
  • Acting Administrator Ha Nguyen McNeill told lawmakers some wait times have exceeded 4.5 hours.
  • Major airports hit include Atlanta, Houston and New York City, with lines extending through terminals and outside facilities.
  • LaGuardia Airport suspended its posted wait time updates as conditions changed rapidly.
  • Lawmakers pressed TSA at a House Homeland Security Committee hearing, with Republicans warning of national security risks and Democrats criticizing the use of ICE agents to backfill operations.

Sources