Shutdown causes long security lines at airports, including Atlanta

TSA shortages causing long delays at airports

TSA shortages are now causing long delays at airports around the country, including Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. The shortages are caused by a lack of funding. Marc Teichner reporting in Atlanta. 

ATLANTA - Officials at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport are urging travelers to arrive at least three hours before their scheduled flights as a partial government shutdown continues to impact federal staffing.

What we know:

The warning comes as Transportation Security Administration (TSA) screeners enter their fourth week working without a paycheck. The financial strain has led to increased staffing shortages, resulting in security lines that have snaked through terminals in Atlanta and other major hubs like Houston and New Orleans.

While wait times at Hartsfield-Jackson fluctuated Tuesday morning—dropping from 16 minutes to nine minutes within a half-hour window—officials warn that the situation remains volatile. Travelers in other cities have reported waiting several hours, with some Houston passengers advised to arrive up to five hours early to ensure they do not miss their departures.

The bottleneck at security checkpoints has become a focal point of political finger-pointing in Washington. Democrats have tied Department of Homeland Security funding to ICE reforms, while Republicans argue the impasse is a "direct shot" at the American public. President Trump has stated he will not sign funding legislation until it includes specific measures, such as a voter ID law, further complicating a resolution.

What's next:

For now, the burden remains on the flying public to navigate the delays. "This is not acceptable," said one traveler in line. "It’s just another example of Washington being unable to fix its problems."