Some airports saw nearly 40% of TSA officers call out sick, an absentee rate significantly higher than normal levels, which typically hover around 2%.
Houston’s Hobby International Airport reported the highest callout rate at 40.8%, another major hit after 55% of workers called out over the weekend.
New Orleans and Atlanta saw 35.8% and 34.6% of workers call out sick, respectively. Other major hubs also saw elevated absences, including 30.1% at New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport and 29.1% at Pittsburgh International Airport.
Despite the staffing shortages, widespread disruptions had not yet materialized on Wednesday, though at least one security checkpoint remained closed due to reduced staffing.
The situation is unfolding as lawmakers consider new leadership for the agency. Sen. Markwayne Mullin (R-OK) appeared before the Senate on Wednesday for his confirmation hearing to lead DHS following the ouster of former Secretary Kristi Noem.
The surge in absences comes as TSA officers continue working without pay during a partial DHS shutdown that began in mid-February after Congress failed to reach a funding agreement. Roughly 50,000 TSA employees have been affected, with many missing multiple paychecks as the standoff continues.
Democrats in Congress have rallied against funding DHS, arguing that the funding agreement, as it is written, gives a “blank check” to Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Customs and Border Protection. The spending bill also includes funding for the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the Coast Guard, and federal cybersecurity operations.
The White House sent its latest department funding proposal to Congress on Tuesday afternoon. On Wednesday, House Democrats moved to force a vote on a plan to fund most of DHS, excluding ICE and CBP. Their offer was denied by House Republicans due to the exclusion of CBP funding.
The shutdown already led to broader workforce disruptions. More than 300 TSA employees have resigned since the funding lapse began, and officials have warned that absences could worsen if the impasse continues.
Airports nationwide have told travelers to arrive anywhere from two to three hours early, as some have had to close security checkpoint lanes and lines go out the door.
DEMOCRATS MOVE TO FORCE DHS FUNDING VOTE WITHOUT ICE AND BORDER PATROL
Aviation officials and industry leaders have warned that continued staffing shortages could lead to longer wait times and possible disruptions as spring travel ramps up. Federal officials have also cautioned that smaller airports could face operational challenges if absentee rates continue to climb.
TSA has said security operations remain intact for now, but acknowledged that conditions could deteriorate if funding is not restored and staffing levels continue to decline.
