Atlanta airport security lines swell as Senate DHS shutdown debate drags on
As DHS shutdown stretches into week two, Atlanta’s busiest airport grinds to a halt with 90-minute security delays threatening holiday travel plans.
ATLANTA — Passengers faced extended wait times at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport Tuesday as the partial Department of Homeland Security shutdown entered its second week, straining security operations at the nation’s busiest airport.
Transportation Security Administration checkpoints experienced delays of up to 90 minutes during peak travel periods, according to airport officials. The backups affected both domestic and international terminals as reduced staffing levels slowed passenger screening processes.
“We’re seeing longer lines than usual, and passengers are having to arrive earlier to make their flights,” said airport spokesperson Andrew Gobeil. The delays come as Congress remains deadlocked over DHS funding legislation.
Federal Workers Report for Duty Without Pay
Despite the shutdown, TSA agents and other essential DHS personnel continue working without paychecks. The agency classified approximately 85% of its workforce as essential, requiring them to report for duty during the funding lapse.
Local TSA union representatives said morale among screeners has declined as the shutdown stretches into its second week. Some agents have called in sick at higher rates than normal, contributing to staffing shortages at security checkpoints.
“Our officers are doing their best under difficult circumstances, but working without pay is taking its toll,” said a union official who requested anonymity due to restrictions on speaking to media during the shutdown.
Senate Negotiations Continue
The Senate remained in session Tuesday as lawmakers worked to resolve the funding dispute that has left DHS operating on limited resources. Republican and Democratic leaders have yet to reach agreement on several policy provisions attached to the spending bill.
Georgia’s senators have taken different positions on the legislation. Senator David Perdue supports the Republican version of the funding bill, while Senator Jon Ossoff has backed Democratic alternatives that exclude certain immigration enforcement measures.
The House previously passed its version of DHS funding legislation, but Senate rules require 60 votes to advance most bills, giving the minority party significant influence over the final outcome.
Airport Operations Continue Despite Challenges
Hartsfield-Jackson officials said flight operations have not been significantly disrupted, though some passengers have missed connections due to extended security wait times. The airport handles approximately 275,000 passengers daily during peak travel periods.
Airport authorities advised travelers to arrive at least two hours early for domestic flights and three hours early for international departures. Online check-in and mobile boarding passes can help reduce processing time at security checkpoints.
Other Georgia airports, including Savannah-Hilton Head International and Augusta Regional, have reported minimal delays so far. However, officials expect impacts to increase if the shutdown continues beyond this week.
The last major DHS shutdown in 2019 lasted 35 days and resulted in significant operational challenges across the federal government. Airport security wait times during that period regularly exceeded two hours at major hubs.
Federal employees affected by the current shutdown will receive back pay once funding resumes, according to legislation already passed by Congress. However, contract workers and airport vendors may not recover lost wages from the funding gap.
