A lapse in funding for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security took effect early on Shabbos morning, triggering a partial shutdown that directly affects airport security operations nationwide and raising concerns about potential travel disruptions.
The agency oversees the Transportation Security Administration, which is responsible for screening passengers and luggage at commercial airports across the country. With DHS funding now expired, TSA officers are required to report to work without pay while Congress remains at an impasse over the department’s annual budget.
Many travelers are uneasy, recalling the 43-day federal shutdown last year that caused significant flight cancellations and lengthy delays at airports nationwide.
Although TSA officers also remained on duty during the previous record-long shutdown that concluded Nov. 12, aviation analysts say this latest funding lapse could unfold differently.
Industry associations representing airlines and the broader travel sector cautioned that prolonged funding uncertainty could translate into longer security lines at airports, particularly as the spring travel season ramps up.
Homeland Security funding expired at midnight, but the remainder of the federal government continues to be funded through Sept. 30.
As a result, air traffic controllers employed by the Federal Aviation Administration will continue receiving pay, reducing the likelihood of widespread cancellations tied directly to air traffic staffing shortages.
Under DHS’ contingency plan, roughly 95% of TSA personnel are classified as essential employees and must continue working despite the funding lapse.
Democratic lawmakers in both the House and Senate have stated that they will withhold support for additional DHS funding unless new limits are imposed on federal immigration enforcement operations.
Historically, the effects of government shutdowns on air travel have intensified gradually rather than immediately.
For example, about a month into last year’s shutdown, TSA temporarily shut down two security checkpoints at Philadelphia International Airport.
On that same day, federal authorities directed commercial airlines to scale back their domestic flight schedules in an extraordinary move to manage disruptions.
John Clark, who arrived at Detroit Metropolitan Airport after a business trip to Mississippi, said he experienced complications during the previous shutdown and remains concerned about the current situation.
“You might not be able to get home if you’re already out, or it might delay if you worked all week and you’re trying to get home,” said Clark, who frequently travels for his job balancing machines. “It’s really bad.”
John Rose, chief risk officer at global travel management firm Altour, warned that operational strains could surface more quickly this time, noting that TSA workers still remember the financial strain of the prior shutdown.
“It’s still fresh in their minds and potentially their pocketbooks,” Rose said.
Security bottlenecks could arise unpredictably, making it difficult to forecast when or where delays might occur.
At smaller airports with only one security checkpoint, even a small number of unexpected TSA absences could quickly result in longer lines.
For that reason, travel experts advise passengers to build extra time into their airport arrival plans.
“I tell people to do this even in good times,” Rose said.
Although air traffic controllers remain on the job, specialists say flight delays remain possible.
Airlines could opt to hold departures temporarily to allow additional time for passengers to clear security screening, said Rich Davis, senior security adviser at risk mitigation firm International SOS.
Staffing shortfalls among TSA officers may also slow the behind-the-scenes inspection of checked baggage.
Burnest R. Green, who traveled from Phoenix to Detroit to celebrate his sister’s 70th birthday, said he hopes lawmakers resolve the shutdown before his return flight next week.
“I just hope that things start to get better before they get any worse,” he said.
While most airports publish estimated security wait times on their websites, Rose cautioned travelers not to rely on last-minute checks.
“You may look online and it says two-and-a-half hours,” he said. “Now it’s two-and-a-half hours before your flight and you haven’t left for the airport yet.”
Passengers are also encouraged to be mindful when packing, as prohibited items can slow the screening process.
For carry-on luggage, travelers should avoid bringing full-size shampoo bottles, large quantities of liquids, oversized gels, aerosols, and items such as pocketknives.
TSA maintains a detailed list on its website outlining what items are permitted in both carry-on and checked baggage.
Once at the airport, Rose urged travelers to remain understanding toward security staff.
“Not only are they not getting paid,” he said of TSA agents, “they’re probably working with reduced staff and dealing with angry travelers.”
Negotiations between the White House and Democratic lawmakers continued through the week, but no agreement was reached before senators and House members were scheduled to leave Washington for a 10-day recess.
Lawmakers were advised, however, that they could be called back to the Capitol should a deal materialize.
Democrats have insisted that they will not approve additional DHS funding until new immigration enforcement restrictions are enacted following last month’s fatal shooting of Alex Pretti and Renee Good in Minneapolis.
In a joint statement, U.S. Travel, Airlines for America and the American Hotel & Lodging Association cautioned that the shutdown could significantly disrupt air travel as spring break approaches.
“Travelers and the U.S. economy cannot afford to have essential TSA personnel working without pay, which increases the risk of unscheduled absences and call outs, and ultimately can lead to higher wait times and missed or delayed flights,” the statement said.
