Breaking: TSA Officials May Close Smaller Airports If Partial Shutdown Continues

TSA officials warn that smaller U.S. airports may close in March 2026 if the partial government shutdown continues, causing severe staffing shortages. High rates of TSA agents calling out unpaid has led to security checkpoints potentially being unable to operate, putting regional airports at risk of temporary shutdowns. A partial government shutdown has left roughly 50,000 TSA workers working without pay, according to TravelPulse. Primarily smaller or regional airports are at risk if staffing levels drop too low to operate security checkpoints.

Business Insider reports that security wait times have already soared to over 3 hours at some locations due to these staffing shortages. Story developing.

While not permanent closures, these potential shutdowns are immediate operational risks due to the funding standoff, as noted by Time Magazine.