Over a third of TSA officers call out at 3 major U.S. airports in single day as funding standoff continues

March 19, 2026

TL;DR

More than 40% of TSA officers called out sick at William P. Hobby Airport in Houston on Tuesday.
Nearly 36% of TSA officers called out at Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport, and over 34% at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport.
The high call-out rate is attributed to TSA workers not receiving paychecks due to the partial government shutdown.
Increased unscheduled absences have led to longer screening lines at airports.
Officials warn that if the call-out rate continues to climb, some airports may face closure.
A union steward described deteriorating morale among TSA officers.

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