Atlanta TSA address long lines, staffing issues amid partial government shutdown

Caption

Employees at Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport direct large groups of passengers on March 16, 2026, as flight delays and staffing shortages caused long lines.

Credit: Amanda Andrews / GPB News

Travelers at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport are waiting for hours in long security lines as the Transportation Security Administration works through staffing shortages during the partial government shutdown. 

Spring is one of the airport’s busier seasons, but security wait times reached up to three-and-half hours for passengers at the Atlanta airport Monday. 

Christina Smith was waiting in line at the airport with her two children. She said long lines are expected during holidays, but not the middle of March.

"I'd say the only other time I've seen it kind of crazy like this was like towards a COVID time," Smith said, "when things had opened back up and everybody was like standing further apart and you had to have like certain things with you like maybe your vaccine card."

A current lack of staff had forced the Atlanta TSA to close one of three security gates on Monday. Agents have missed two paychecks as the partial shutdown continued through Day 31.

Aaron Barker is a TSA agent and president of the American Federation of Government Employees Local 554. 

He said this shutdown is different because it came less than three months after the last one ended. 

"The resources and things that were available, they're just not there anymore," Barker said. "So, while they were starting to dig themselves out of a hole, they can't do that anymore, everything has stopped. So it's definitely different, it's frustrating. The uncertainty. It's time to do something to get everyone paid."

The City of Atlanta is partnering with Hartsfield-Jackson to provide support for TSA officers. Mayor Andre Dickens said the city looks after people who serve the community.

"TSA officers at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport continue to show up every day to protect millions of travelers, even as they face uncertainty at home," he said. "We are deeply grateful for their professionalism and sacrifice, and we will continue doing everything we can locally to support them while urging a swift resolution to the shutdown."

Agents will receive two meal vouchers per shift, discounts at airport concessions, free parking, and free MARTA Breeze passes.

Caption

Airport employees bring out additional poles with red belts to mark where the extended security line continues at Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport on March 16, 2026.

Credit: Amanda Andrews / GPB News

The CEOs of many major airlines, including Delta Air Lines CEO Ed Bastian, signed an open letter to Congress. 

The letter called for action and said TSA agents working without pay during the shutdown is "unacceptable."

"With spring break travel in full swing, FIFA World Cup 2026 right around the corner and celebrations for America’s 250th birthday throughout the year, the stakes are especially high," the letter said. "U.S. airlines expect 171 million passengers this spring season, a new record."

The AFGE is calling on Congress to pass a bill that would relieve the financial burden on TSA agents during shutdowns.

"We are calling our Congress to act immediately by advancing legislation that separates ICE and CBP from DHS funding," Barker said. "And also, by passing the Shutdown Fairness Act. If Congress continue to be paid during the shutdown, the workforce they depend on should be paid as well."

The Shutdown Fairness Act would guarantee pay for federal employees working during shutdowns.