Since the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) partially shut down due to a lack of congressional budget approval from mid-last month, the absentee rate for Transportation Security Administration (TSA) staff in airport screening areas has more than doubled. This disruption has led to significant staff shortages and operational challenges across the nation's airports.

50,000 TSA employees have worked without pay for nearly one month. CBS News on 11/3 cited internal data from the TSA, a DHS agency, stating that 305 airport security personnel resigned from 14/2 to 9/3. This exodus underscores the severe impact of the funding lapse on the workforce.

Passengers queue outside the terminal, waiting for security checks at Hobby Airport, Houston, Texas, on 8/3. *Photo: AP*

TSA stated it will take a long time to replace staff, as screening officers require four to six months of training before they can work independently at security checkpoints. The current situation suggests a prolonged period of staffing challenges.

The phenomenon of airport security staff collectively reporting sick has sharply increased. At Houston's Hobby Airport, about half of TSA staff called in sick for health reasons, increasing pressure on screening operations and extending passenger security check wait times. This trend reflects the growing discontent among employees.

"Why should we work if we are not getting paid?", an anonymous TSA employee told WGRZ. Another expressed frustration, saying they felt "betrayed and abandoned" in a difficult situation. These sentiments highlight the morale crisis within the agency.

John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) recorded an average 21% TSA staff absence during the DHS shutdown, the highest among major airport groups. Other severely affected airports include: Hartsfield Jackson Atlanta International Airport with 19%, William P. Hobby Airport in Houston with 18%, Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport with 14%, and Pittsburgh International Airport with 13%.

This situation was exacerbated by extreme weather. 77% of TSA staff at JFK and 53% at Newark Liberty reported absences on 23/2 when a major snowstorm occurred. Such events further strain already limited resources.

Long lines of passengers queue waiting for security checks at Hobby Airport, Texas, on 8/3. *Photo: AP*

TSA officials warned that prolonged budget disruptions could have lasting consequences for the security screening workforce, as staff struggling with living expenses might permanently leave their jobs if they have to work without pay for the third time in less than six months. This poses a serious threat to national security and travel efficiency.

Meanwhile, travel demand continues to rise during spring break, meaning fewer staff are screening more passengers. A shortage of screening staff leads to increased flight delays and extended security check lines, causing chaos at many airports nationwide. The confluence of these factors creates significant travel disruptions.

Security check wait times at Hobby Airport, Houston, exceeded three hours on 8/3, forcing the airport to advise passengers to arrive four to five hours before their flights. This extended wait time is a direct consequence of the staffing issues.

New Orleans airport officials advised passengers to arrive at least three hours early after some missed flights due to excessively long security lines. "We waited for four hours just to get through security, and we still missed our flight", a New Orleans family stated. This illustrates the severe impact on travelers.

By Duc Trung (WGRZ, CNN)