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Hundreds of Transportation Security Administration (TSA) workers have quit due to unpaid work during the partial US government shutdown, leading to severe airport security delays in major hubs like Atlanta, New Orleans, and Houston.

TSA Staff Departures and Airport Security Chaos

One month into the partial US government shutdown, hundreds of Transportation Security Administration (TSA) workers, facing unpaid work, have quit their jobs or taken unscheduled time off. This situation has led to significant airport security delays, with wait times reaching nearly two hours at major airports like Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport in Atlanta. Passengers are experiencing considerable inconvenience due to these extended queues, a problem exacerbated by a recent winter storm in the Midwest and an increase in spring break travelers.

Deepening Financial Hardship and Calls for Action

Several TSA agents interviewed by CNN reported borrowing money from family and friends or withdrawing from retirement accounts to cover their expenses due to lack of pay. Although federal employees are guaranteed back pay once the shutdown ends, according to a 2019 law, immediate financial difficulties are unavoidable. Long security lines have also been observed at airports in New York and Fort Lauderdale, highlighting the growing severity of aviation security issues stemming from the prolonged shutdown.

*Source: YouTube: CNN (2026-03-20)*

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