Video Philly airport chaos: DHS shutdowns trigger massive TSA security lines
DHS funding lapses are severely impacting Philadelphia International Airport, resulting in extensive TSA delays. Significant queues for security are jeopardizing travel arrangements as the ongoing situation paralyzes airport operations.
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As TSA personnel at airports nationwide continue to forgo their salaries, several U.S. airports are experiencing significant disruption.
Footage captured at Philadelphia International Airport early Thursday morning reveals hundreds of travelers awaiting passage through security checkpoints via elevators and escalators.
The airport announced the temporary closure of three security checkpoints, effective Wednesday, “to optimize operations across remaining checkpoints.”
Philadelphia International Airport features a total of six primary security checkpoints, with only half of these now open and functional.
Three security checkpoints at Philadelphia International Airport have been temporarily shuttered. The scene at the airport on Thursday morning is depicted above. (FOX 29)
An airport representative informed Fox News Digital that airport personnel were present to guide passengers through the queues.
“The longest waiting period was 44 minutes at our D/E checkpoint, which commences operations at 3 a.m., marking the initial checkpoint to open,” stated the representative.
An airport spokesperson conveyed to Fox News Digital that airport staff were available to direct airline passengers through the lines. (FOX 29)
Current TSA waiting times are being disseminated on the Philadelphia International Airport’s official website.
As of 9 a.m., the Terminal B checkpoint experienced the longest delay at 20 minutes, which the spokesperson characterized as “not unusual for this time of day.”
The spokesperson further indicated that the closure of three checkpoints was “attributable to TSA staffing shortages stemming from the partial government shutdown.”
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport has contended with queues extending up to 90 minutes, prompting the airport to issue alerts on X advising travelers to arrive three hours prior to their flights.
“In accordance with TSA projections, ATL anticipates accommodating nearly 350,000 travelers between Thursday, March 19, and Sunday, March 22,” the airport posted on X.
According to TSA projections, ATL expects nearly 350K travelers from Thursday, March 19, through Sunday, March 22.
To help ensure a smooth travel experience, keep these tips in mind.
Visit https://t.co/yJ286TXZPq for more resources. pic.twitter.com/suzuK8gH3o
— Atlanta Airport (@ATLairport) March 18, 2026
Acting Deputy TSA Administrator Adam Stahl communicated to Fox News Digital this week that as the shutdown persists, the TSA faces the potential for further officer attrition.
Over 360 TSA officers have resigned during this shutdown period, with a national callout rate of 10.19% reported on Sunday. (Mark Felix/Bloomberg via Getty Images)
“The stark reality is that as this situation drags on, and our officers continue to work without paychecks for extended periods, the callout rates are inevitably going to rise,” Stahl commented.
“We will see individuals who are unable to afford coming to work, and others who may opt to resign altogether.”
To date, 366 TSA officers have resigned amidst the shutdown, with a national callout rate of 10.19% recorded on Sunday, as confirmed by a TSA spokesperson to Fox News Digital this week.
“Our decisions regarding airport and security line closures are contingent upon staffing levels, and we rely on federal security directors on-site who possess expertise regarding their specific airport’s configuration, demographics, and travel patterns,” he also stated.
Khloe Quill from Fox News Digital provided contributions to this report.