Atlanta Joins New York, Los Angeles, and Philadelphia in Airport Chaos as DHS Shutdown Sparks Major Travel Delays Across the U.S

As of February 14, 2026, the United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has officially entered a partial government shutdown, affecting the operations of key U.S. airports, including Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International (ATL), John F. Kennedy International (JFK), Los Angeles International (LAX), and Philadelphia International (PHL). While all 430+ federalized airports remain operational, the shutdown, which has caused financial strain on TSA and Customs & Border Protection (CBP) workers, is leading to significant travel delays, security checkpoint consolidations, and longer processing times for international passengers. Travelers are advised to take proactive measures as these disruptions are expected to worsen the longer the shutdown continues.

What Is the Current Status of Airport Operations?

The partial shutdown, which has affected the Department of Homeland Security and other agencies, has strained airport operations nationwide. While all airports remain open, passengers should expect longer wait times at security checkpoints and customs due to staffing shortages. According to TSA contingency plans and recent government testimony, approximately 95% of the TSA workforce—around 61,000 employees—are required to continue working during the shutdown without receiving pay until a funding agreement is reached.

Although the TSA and CBP officers are still working, the lack of compensation is leading to an increase in unscheduled absences as officers face financial stress. The problem of “call-outs” during the shutdown has the potential to cause significant disruptions, especially in busy airports like ATL, JFK, and LAX. The TSA has already warned that, as in previous shutdowns, the financial strain on officers can lead to higher attrition and increased absenteeism, which can force TSA to consolidate lanes or even close checkpoints altogether at certain airports.

Who Is Affected by the Shutdown?

The primary groups affected by the partial shutdown are passengers at major U.S. airports. Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International (ATL), JFK, LAX, and PHL are expected to experience the worst delays, as they are among the busiest airports in the country and see a large volume of international and domestic passengers.

The shutdown affects both TSA and CBP operations. While TSA officers continue to provide security screening for departing passengers, the CBP officers working at customs processing areas are also working without pay. This has led to longer wait times for travelers arriving on international flights. In particular, international travelers may see delays in passport control and customs processing, as staffing shortages continue to build.

At TSA checkpoints, long lines are expected, especially as some security lanes are consolidated or even closed in response to insufficient staffing. The impact of these delays is felt at all levels, from travelers experiencing longer wait times to airlines that may face delays in their schedules as they attempt to accommodate passengers stuck in long lines. Additionally, although the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is fully funded through September 2026, the longer wait times on the ground could contribute to delays in departure schedules.

Why Are Delays Happening?

The delays are caused by the shutdown’s effect on staffing, morale, and operational capacity at TSA and CBP. The primary issue is the lack of pay for essential workers, including TSA and CBP officers, who are still required to show up to work during the shutdown. This financial stress often leads to higher levels of absenteeism as officers face difficulties in covering basic living expenses. Unsurprisingly, this has led to increased “sick-outs” and “call-outs” as the shutdown continues.

Additionally, the TSA has also halted its deployment of new screening technologies, including “Touchless ID” systems that were supposed to be rolled out ahead of key travel periods, such as the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the upcoming spring break travel surge. These technological advancements were expected to reduce wait times and improve the overall passenger experience. However, due to the funding lapse, these upgrades have been delayed, further exacerbating the situation for travelers.

At the same time, airports like ATL and PHL have been identified as “hot spots” for severe delays, as these airports often experience significant passenger traffic, making them particularly vulnerable to the effects of staffing shortages.

Where Are These Delays Happening?

While all 430+ federalized U.S. airports remain open, specific airports have been identified as particularly vulnerable to severe delays during the shutdown. These include Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International (ATL), John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), and Philadelphia International Airport (PHL).

• Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International (ATL): As one of the busiest airports in the world, ATL is a major concern for authorities during the shutdown. Any reduction in TSA staffing here can cause long lines and delays, especially during peak travel times. In the previous shutdowns, even minor reductions in staffing at ATL led to significantly longer wait times, which caused missed flights for passengers.
• Philadelphia International Airport (PHL): PHL has been specifically identified by the TSA as being at high risk of severe delays. During the 2025 shutdown, PHL had to close entire checkpoints due to a high number of unscheduled absences among TSA officers. The airport is being monitored closely to prevent a repeat of this situation, but delays remain likely.
• International Gateways (JFK, LAX, ORD): These airports face a “double layer” of impact due to the effects of the shutdown on both TSA and CBP staffing. Departing passengers are experiencing longer wait times due to lane consolidations at TSA checkpoints, while travelers arriving from international flights are facing slowdowns in customs processing due to understaffed CBP operations.

When Will Travel Delays End, and How Long Will the Shutdown Last?

It is difficult to predict exactly when the travel delays will end, as they are contingent on the duration of the shutdown and the resolution of the funding issue. If the shutdown persists, the delays are likely to continue to worsen. The longer TSA and CBP officers are forced to work without pay, the more likely it is that absenteeism will rise, leading to further checkpoint closures and delays in customs processing.

Government sources have indicated that while the FAA is fully funded and air traffic controllers are not expected to cause flight cancellations, the primary delays will be on the ground at security checkpoints and customs halls. As the shutdown drags on, the bottleneck caused by TSA and CBP staffing shortages could cause further disruptions in the airport environment.

How Can Travelers Prepare for Delays?

Travelers are strongly advised to prepare for extended wait times at security checkpoints and customs processing areas during the ongoing DHS shutdown. In particular, passengers should plan to arrive earlier than usual at major airports to buffer against potential delays. The TSA has issued the following recommendations for travelers:

• Arrive Early: Travelers should arrive at least three hours prior to their domestic flights and four hours before international flights. This will allow enough time to navigate the potentially long security lines, especially at airports like ATL, ORD, LAX, and JFK.
• Monitor MyTSA: While MyTSA app data may not always reflect the reality of the situation in real-time, it can still be useful for checking current wait times at airports. Travelers should check the app or individual airport websites frequently to stay updated on security line status.
• Use Expedited Programs: TSA PreCheck and Mobile Passport Control are highly recommended to bypass long lines at security and customs. However, new enrollments for programs like Global Entry may be delayed due to the shutdown, so travelers should be prepared for potential delays in the application process.

Conclusion

The ongoing partial shutdown of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is creating significant challenges for airport operations nationwide. While all federalized airports, including major hubs like Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International (ATL), JFK, LAX, and Philadelphia International (PHL), remain open, the lack of funding for TSA and CBP operations is causing delays at security checkpoints and customs halls. Travelers should be prepared for longer wait times and potential disruptions, especially at high-traffic airports. The shutdown’s effects are expected to escalate the longer it lasts, and passengers are advised to take precautionary steps to minimize the impact on their travel.