Federal Shutdown Affects TSA Employees at Atlanta Airport

Atlanta, GA, October 1, 2025

News Summary

The federal government has shut down due to a lack of funding agreement, leading to furloughs for hundreds of thousands of workers. At Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport, 1,200 TSA employees are working without pay, creating a somber atmosphere. While essential services like mail delivery continue, concerns about airport operations and the potential economic impact on the travel industry are rising. Travelers should expect longer wait times at security checks as the shutdown progresses.

Atlanta – The federal government officially shut down after lawmakers failed to reach a funding agreement, marking the first shutdown in almost seven years. As a result, hundreds of thousands of federal workers across the U.S. are being furloughed, though essential services such as checks and mail delivery will continue uninterrupted. At Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport in Atlanta, approximately 1,200 TSA employees are reporting for duty during the shutdown without pay.

The mood among TSA workers has been described as “somber,” with concerns rising over the financial stress many employees are under as they await their next paycheck. TSA union spokesperson Aaron Barker highlighted the difficulty faced by workers, noting that one missed paycheck could significantly impact their households. Many TSA agents in Atlanta are particularly worried, fearing a repeat of the 2018 government shutdown, which lasted 35 days and forced several employees to sleep in their cars or take second jobs to make ends meet.

Despite these financial concerns, TSA employees continue to fulfill their roles without disruption, allowing airport operations to remain normal on the first day of the shutdown. However, as previously witnessed in the 2018 shutdown, there are growing fears that staffing shortages and increased sick calls among TSA agents may become problematic as the shutdown drags on.

The government shutdown poses potential risks beyond just the delay of paychecks. Travelers should prepare for longer wait times at airport security checks, and there may be disruptions in federal services related to aviation safety, aircraft certification, and maintenance. Air traffic controllers, who are also considered essential workers, continue working without pay as well.

Aviation groups have raised alarms regarding safety risks linked to decreased manpower in federal aviation services during the shutdown. The US Travel Association has warned that the shutdown could cost the travel industry $1 billion in weekly losses, with an estimated 60% of travelers potentially avoiding air travel during this period.

As the situation unfolds, TSA employees are managing to maintain their professional responsibilities, but the longer the shutdown lasts, the more challenging it will likely become for those working without compensation. The general public and various aviation entities remain vigilant about operational stability and safety in the face of this unprecedented situation.

Key Impacts of the Shutdown

• Number of TSA Employees Affected: Approximately 1,200 at Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport.
• Status of Federal Services: Essential services like mail delivery and checks continue.
• Financial Concerns: Heightened worry among TSA agents regarding possible missed paychecks.
• Travel Impact: Expected longer wait times at airport security checks and possible disruptions in federal aviation services.
• Economic Effects: The shutdown could cost the travel industry $1 billion weekly, with a predicted 60% of travelers avoiding air travel.

Background on the Government Shutdown

This current shutdown is the result of a failure among lawmakers to agree on funding, marking the first instance in almost seven years. The previous shutdown in 2018 serves as a stark reminder of frustrations faced by workers, as many TSA employees struggled to make ends meet during that 35-day shutdown. The current shutdown harkens back to those challenges, showing how federal employees can be significantly affected by political decisions.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

Widespread Layoffs Hit Federal Agencies, Spark Concerns Over Job Security

Additional Resources

• Fox 5 Atlanta
• Wikipedia: Government Shutdown in the United States
• 11Alive
• Google Search: Government Shutdown Impact on Travel
• Atlanta News First
• Google Scholar: Government Shutdowns
• AJC
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Government Shutdown
• Business Insider
• Google News: Impact of Government Shutdown on TSA

Author: STAFF HERE ATLANTA WRITER

The ATLANTA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAtlanta.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Atlanta, Fulton County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as vibrant music festivals like Shaky Knees and Music Midtown, major cultural celebrations including Dragon Con and the Atlanta Film Festival, and iconic sporting events like the Peachtree Road Race. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce and the Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in logistics, beverages, and retail that power the local economy such as Delta Air Lines, The Coca-Cola Company, and The Home Depot. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAugusta.com and HERESavannah.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Georgia's dynamic landscape.