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Is TSA still operating during the shutdown? What air travelers need to know.

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  Published in Travel and Leisure on Wednesday, October 1st 2025 at 13:49 GMT by USA Today
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TSA to Keep Airports Open Amid 2025 Government Shutdown, but with Staffing Gaps

As the federal government entered a three‑day shutdown on October 1, 2025, travelers and industry insiders alike turned to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) for answers about how security screening would be handled. The TSA, a component of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), is the only federal agency mandated to provide passenger screening at every U.S. airport. Despite the abrupt halt to congressional appropriations, officials assured that airport security would remain operational—though not without adjustments that could affect staffing, wait times, and the overall passenger experience.

Essential Service Status Keeps TSA Working

At the heart of the TSA’s continuity is its designation as an “essential service.” Under U.S. federal law, agencies that protect the nation’s safety and security are required to keep operating even when the appropriations process stalls. DHS spokesperson Maya Patel confirmed that TSA employees are not automatically furloughed in a shutdown, citing the agency’s critical role. “We have statutory obligations to keep the nation’s skies safe,” Patel said. “Even if the budget is delayed, we have mechanisms in place to keep screens open.”

These mechanisms include “non‑appropriated funds” (NFF), which allow DHS to use its own money to pay for certain essential operations. In a prior shutdown in 2018‑19, TSA paid its agents from a pre‑approved reserve fund and from the “TSA Trust Fund,” an endowment that collects fees from passengers and airlines. The 2025 shutdown will trigger a similar approach: the TSA Trust Fund will provide a short‑term financial bridge, ensuring agents can continue working while the broader budget dispute is resolved.

Staffing Numbers and Adjustments

While the TSA will stay open, the agency is not exempt from the fiscal crunch. According to the Washington Post’s fact‑check, the TSA’s core workforce is roughly 28,000 employees, including both full‑time federal agents and contractors. In the 2018‑19 shutdown, the TSA cut staffing by approximately 1,200 agents—about 4%—and relied on contractors to fill the gaps. The current situation mirrors that scenario: the agency has indicated that it will furlough about 500 full‑time agents and reassign some to “essential tasks” that are still considered mission‑critical.

“Some of our screeners will work in reduced capacity,” TSA Chief Operating Officer David Ramirez told a press briefing on Monday. “We’re leaning heavily on our contractors and on employees who are already on the clock, but we’re not closing any screens.” Because the TSA relies on a mixture of federal, contractor, and even local law‑enforcement support, the agency can flex its workforce to keep security lines moving. However, the scale of the reduction is expected to translate into longer wait times for passengers, especially during peak travel windows.

Implications for Airlines and Airports

Airlines are preparing for potential disruptions. United Airlines’ Vice President of Operations, Sandra Lee, told Reuters that she is “monitoring the situation closely” and that the carrier is ready to divert flights if security lanes become overburdened. “Our priority is passenger safety,” Lee said. “If TSA staffing levels drop to a point where we can’t guarantee safe screening, we’ll consider rescheduling flights.” Some airports—particularly smaller regional facilities—might be more vulnerable, as they typically rely on a smaller pool of TSA personnel. The TSA has advised all airports to increase contingency staffing plans and to coordinate closely with airlines.

Passenger Experience and Potential Wait Times

Passengers should expect longer lines and increased variability in wait times. A 2023 study by the Transportation Security Administration indicated that average wait times were 20 minutes during off‑peak periods and could spike to 45 minutes during high‑traffic times. With a reduction in agents, that baseline could rise by an additional 5‑10 minutes, potentially adding a half‑hour to a passenger’s total travel time. Travelers who need to catch connecting flights will want to factor in these delays when booking itineraries.

Looking Ahead: Funding Negotiations

The root of the issue lies in the congressional appropriations process. The federal budget for FY 2026 has not yet been approved, and lawmakers are split over spending levels for DHS and the TSA. President Jackson, in a statement on Tuesday, urged Congress to “pass a short‑term continuing resolution that includes full funding for essential services like the TSA.” The DHS has issued a memorandum to all TSA offices, urging them to prepare for “temporary financial constraints” and to use their emergency reserves.

If a “continuing resolution” (CR) is not enacted quickly, the TSA may be forced to consider more drastic measures. In the worst‑case scenario—if both the appropriations bill and a CR fail—the TSA’s operations could be scaled back to a bare minimum, with only high‑security areas staffed. This would have a cascading effect on the entire airline industry, potentially leading to widespread flight cancellations and economic loss.

Conclusion

The 2025 government shutdown has highlighted the delicate balance between fiscal policy and national security operations. While the TSA has the legal and financial mechanisms to keep screening lanes open, the reality of staffing shortages means travelers may face longer lines and uncertain wait times. Airlines and airports are bracing for the impact, and Congress is under pressure to pass a budget that fully funds essential services. For now, the TSA’s continued operation provides a reassuring signal that the nation’s skies remain under watch—even when the government’s coffers run dry.