Daijiworld Media Network - Washington

Washington, Mar 17: Air travel across the United States has been severely disrupted as the ongoing government shutdown strains airport security operations, leading to long queues, flight delays, and stranded passengers across major hubs.

Security checkpoints are under mounting pressure as the Department of Homeland Security remains unfunded. Officers from the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) are continuing to work without pay during the busy spring travel season, intensifying stress on already stretched airport security systems.

The disruption has resulted in extended wait times at airports nationwide, with authorities urging passengers to arrive much earlier than usual to avoid missing flights.

In a social media post, the TSA highlighted the growing strain on its workforce, stating that travellers were facing security lines exceeding three hours. The agency also said that more than 300 TSA officers have resigned since the shutdown began, worsening staff shortages at airports across the country.

The impact has been felt nationwide, with airports reporting lengthy lines throughout the weekend. Although conditions improved slightly at some locations by Monday evening, delays continued to affect many major travel hubs.

At Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport — one of the world’s busiest airports — security wait times approached two hours over the weekend before dropping to under 15 minutes by Monday evening.

Airports have issued advisories asking passengers to adjust their travel schedules. Austin-Bergstrom International Airport recommended travellers arrive at least 2.5 hours before their domestic flights, according to local media reports.

Operational difficulties have also been compounded by staff absenteeism among TSA officers. Reports indicated that the national callout rate reached 10.19 per cent on Sunday, marking the highest level recorded during the current shutdown.

In New York, wait times at LaGuardia Airport stretched close to three hours, while staff callout rates exceeded 25 per cent. Similar staffing shortages were reported at John F. Kennedy International Airport and Newark Liberty International Airport.

Passengers across the country have struggled with cancellations and rescheduled flights. One traveller, Maeve Higgins, said she spent more than three and a half hours on hold after her flight was cancelled twice. Another passenger, Lauren Price, said she continued with her travel plans despite the disruptions because her hotel booking was non-refundable.

Airline executives have also voiced concern about the growing frustration among travellers. In a letter to Congress cited by media reports, a group of airline CEOs said repeated shutdowns were leaving Americans frustrated by long security lines, delays, and cancelled flights.

During previous shutdowns, TSA officers were also required to work without pay, leading to similar spikes in absenteeism and operational delays. The agency screens millions of passengers every day and plays a critical role in maintaining aviation security across the United States.

The Department of Homeland Security, which oversees border security, immigration enforcement, and transportation safety, has historically seen wide-ranging operational challenges during funding lapses — particularly during peak travel periods.