Airport Disruptions to Worsen as DHS Funding Fight Drags On, Transportation Secretary Warns

TSA officer absences continue to rise during the partial government shutdown, with lawmakers still deadlocked over DHS funding.

Travelers wait in Transportation Security Administration screening lines at the San Antonio International Airport in San Antonio on March 14, 2026. Kaylee Greenlee/Reuters

Airline and transportation officials are warning that the nation could face major airport disruptions unless Congress reaches an agreement to fund the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) by this time next week.

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy on March 20 renewed his warning that a prolonged partial government shutdown could trigger widespread chaos at airports, as more Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officers have been calling out of work after missing paychecks.