Airport security lines are reaching record lengths as Transportation Security Administration staffing shortages caused by the partial government shutdown disrupt flights nationwide.

TSA Staffing Crisis Hits Airports Nationwide

On Wednesday, Acting TSA Administrator Ha Nguyen McNeill told a Homeland Security committee hearing that "multiple airports in the U.S. face agent callout rates higher than 40%," reported The Hill.

She added, "We are being forced to consolidate lanes and may have to close smaller airports if we do not have enough officers. It is a fluid, challenging and unpredictable situation."

The staffing shortages have already caused widespread disruption at major airports.

Nearly 37% of TSA workers were absent at Atlanta's Hartsfield-Jackson and New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport.

Houston's William P. Hobby Airport reported 43% absenteeism, while Houston George Bush Intercontinental and New Orleans Louis Armstrong International airports faced roughly 40% and 36% absences, respectively.

Nationwide, more than 3,160 agents called out on Tuesday, and over 480 have quit entirely.

Airlines are responding with flexible policies to ease the burden on travelers.

United Airlines (NASDAQ:UAL) is waiving change fees and fare differences for flights out of Houston through Wednesday, while Delta Air Lines (NYSE:DAL) is allowing Atlanta passengers to reschedule flights affected by long lines through April 6.

Allegiant Air is permitting itinerary changes or cancellations without penalty for the duration of the shutdown.

Lawmakers, Unions, Airlines Slam TSA Pay Crisis

Earlier, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) called on President Donald Trump to remove ICE agents from airports and pay TSA workers immediately, while Sen. Cory Booker (D-N.J.) and Patty Murray (D-Wash.) warned of chaos at checkpoints.

Union leaders called the ICE deployment to 14 airports an "insult" and a "waste of money," saying officers lacked proper security training.

Hydrick Thomas of AFGE TSA Council 100 said specialized screening and passenger assistance could not be replaced by a tactical force.

Airline executives from American Airlines (NASDAQ:AAL), United Airlines  Delta Air Lines, Southwest Airlines (NYSE:LUV), JetBlue Airways (NASDAQ:JBLU), Alaska Air, FedEx, UPS, and Atlas Air said staffing gaps were already disrupting major airports and could worsen as spring break travel surged.

Disclaimer: This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.

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