Chicago Joins Atlanta, New York, Los Angeles, Philadelphia, Denver, and Other Cities in Facing Severe Delays and Cancellations Due to the US Government Shutdown for an Indefinite Period: Everything You Need to Know

As the US government shutdown continues into an indefinite period, Chicago, along with Atlanta, New York, Los Angeles, Philadelphia, Denver, and several other major cities, is experiencing severe delays and cancellations at its airports. This disruption is a result of staffing shortages within TSA and CBP due to the shutdown, affecting both security and customs processing. The shutdown has caused widespread bottlenecks, especially at high-traffic airports, leading to long wait times and operational challenges for airlines. Major hubs like Chicago O’Hare are now facing significant disruptions in international and domestic travel, with passengers experiencing longer delays in both security and customs. With lawmakers on recess and no immediate resolution in sight, these delays and cancellations are expected to persist, creating ongoing challenges for travelers. In this article, we’ll break down the reasons behind these disruptions, the impact on major cities, and what you need to know if you’re traveling during this uncertain time.

Department of Homeland Security Faces Partial Shutdown: What You Need to Know

As of February 14, 2026, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has entered a partial government shutdown, following a month of tense negotiations in Congress. This marks the second funding lapse of the year, with DHS agencies being the primary victims of this shutdown. While most of the federal government remains funded through September 30, 2026, DHS agencies have been severely impacted, disrupting services and causing a ripple effect across key operations. The shutdown is the result of a deadlock over immigration enforcement reforms, with Democrats demanding stricter oversight of federal agents. The situation is exacerbated by the tragic deaths of two citizens during federal raids in Minneapolis, which has further fueled tensions surrounding immigration policy.

Key Causes and Agencies Affected

The shutdown was triggered when a two-week temporary funding extension expired at midnight on February 13, 2026. The primary cause of this shutdown is the unresolved conflict in Congress regarding immigration enforcement reforms. Democrats are calling for enhanced oversight, including body cameras for agents and warrant requirements following the deaths of two citizens in federal raids. This has led to a standstill in funding negotiations. As a result, key agencies under the DHS umbrella are facing significant disruptions, including TSA, the U.S. Coast Guard, FEMA, and the Secret Service.

• TSA (Transportation Security Administration): While security screening continues, TSA agents are working without pay. Past shutdowns have shown that such conditions can lead to increased absenteeism and longer wait times at airports.
• U.S. Coast Guard: Personnel continue performing essential duties, but they are also working without immediate pay, which could impact the Coast Guard’s ability to respond to emergencies or other critical needs.
• FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency): Disaster relief efforts are significantly hampered due to furloughed staff and limited operations, potentially delaying assistance in areas affected by natural disasters.
• Secret Service: While protection duties remain in place, pay for agents is delayed, potentially causing morale issues within this critical agency.

Agencies Not Affected by the Shutdown

Despite the shutdown’s impact on many DHS agencies, certain key services remain unaffected. Notably, ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) and CBP (Customs and Border Protection) remain largely operational because they received $75 billion in separate funding during the previous year, making them exempt from this shutdown. This allows these agencies to continue their immigration enforcement and border security operations without interruption.

Current Status and What to Expect

With Congress in recess for a scheduled 10-day break, the shutdown is expected to continue for at least the duration of the holiday weekend, unless an emergency session is called or significant progress is made in negotiations remotely. The prolonged absence of lawmakers raises concerns about the duration of the shutdown, with some fearing that it could stretch into the following week.

What This Means for You: Impact on Travel and Government Services

For travelers, this shutdown could mean longer waits at airport security. TSA agents, while working as essential personnel, are doing so without pay, and previous shutdowns have led to increased call-outs and staffing shortages at security checkpoints. This could result in slower processing times at major airports.

However, essential government services such as Social Security, Medicare, and the Post Office are unaffected by this shutdown, as they are funded through separate bills that have already been signed into law. So, if you rely on these services, they will continue uninterrupted during the shutdown.

Major US Airports Facing Severe Disruptions Due to DHS Shutdown

The partial government shutdown affecting the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has caused significant delays and disruptions at major U.S. airports. While all 430+ federalized airports across the country are experiencing some level of impact, six major hubs have been identified as facing a “double layer” of strain. This is due to severe staffing shortages in both TSA (Transportation Security Administration) security and CBP (Customs and Border Protection) processing. As a result, these airports are seeing extended security lines, longer wait times, and more challenges in processing both departing and arriving passengers. According to Trade.gov’s International Air Travel Statistics Program – APIS I-92 Data, these six airports have been highlighted for experiencing the most significant delays.

Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International (ATL): World’s Busiest Airport Struggling with Staffing Shortages

Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International (ATL), the world’s busiest airport, is facing substantial delays due to staffing shortages in both TSA and CBP. Even small staffing “call-outs” are resulting in 90-minute security lines, severely impacting both domestic and international travelers. Given the airport’s high passenger volume, ATL has been identified as one of the most critically impacted airports during the shutdown. The airport relies heavily on its TSA and CBP personnel to manage the flow of passengers. With these staff members working without pay, the airport is struggling to maintain its usual efficiency. In response, the airport is encouraging travelers to arrive significantly earlier than usual to navigate through longer lines. The ongoing shutdown exacerbates the challenge of keeping up with the demands of this massive transportation hub.

John F. Kennedy International (JFK): Double Layer of Delays for Departures and Arrivals

John F. Kennedy International (JFK) in New York is also facing severe disruptions, primarily due to the combined strain on both TSA and CBP staffing. The airport is experiencing delays in TSA security for outbound flights and in CBP processing for international arrivals. This “double layer” of delays is making it one of the most impacted airports during the ongoing DHS shutdown. With both TSA and CBP personnel working without pay, the airport has seen a rise in staffing shortages and unscheduled absences. As a result, travelers are facing longer processing times and delays, especially for international flights. To manage this, JFK officials are urging passengers to arrive early and regularly check for updates on social media regarding checkpoint closures, which have been happening without much notice.

Los Angeles International (LAX): A High-Volume International Gateway Struggling with Staffing

Los Angeles International (LAX), another major hub for international travelers, is experiencing significant delays due to the same “double layer” staffing issues. Both TSA and CBP are under severe strain, affecting the processing of both outbound flights and international arrivals. As one of the busiest airports in the U.S. for international traffic, LAX’s reliance on both TSA and CBP has created bottlenecks at security and customs. This disruption has been felt particularly by international travelers who are facing longer wait times at both ends of their trip. LAX is advising travelers to expect delays and to plan for extra time, as security and customs processes are slowed due to the limited staffing. The airport is also monitoring staffing levels closely to minimize disruptions, but the ongoing shutdown poses a continuing challenge.

Philadelphia International (PHL): High Risk of Checkpoint Closures and Mega-Lines

Philadelphia International (PHL) has been identified as a “high-risk” airport due to its significant dependence on TSA and CBP personnel. During the 2025 shutdown, the airport had to close entire checkpoints due to staffing shortages, and the same situation is feared again this year. The airport is already experiencing a consolidation of checkpoints, which is leading to longer wait times and the formation of “mega-lines.” These measures are necessary to funnel passengers through fewer checkpoints, but they create additional delays for travelers. With many workers still recovering from the financial strain caused by last year’s 43-day shutdown, unscheduled absences are more frequent, further exacerbating the situation. PHL is advising travelers to arrive early and stay informed about any last-minute checkpoint closures, which can happen with little notice.

Chicago O’Hare International (ORD): Consolidated Lanes and Slower Processing

Chicago O’Hare International (ORD) is another large-scale international gateway feeling the strain of the DHS shutdown. With both TSA and CBP staff shortages, the airport has had to consolidate security lanes, leading to slower processing times for travelers. This is particularly impactful for international flights, where customs processing is already a time-consuming process. The combination of fewer TSA agents and CBP officers working without pay has led to bottlenecks, causing significant delays for travelers. For many passengers, this means longer wait times at both security and customs checkpoints. ORD is advising passengers to budget more time for security and to keep an eye on the airport’s social media accounts for updates on checkpoint statuses.

Denver International (DIA): Activation of Contingency Plans for Surging Crowds

Denver International (DIA) is another major airport struggling under the weight of the DHS shutdown, with both TSA and CBP staff working without pay. As a result, the airport has activated contingency plans to manage the surging crowds. With international traffic on the rise and fewer federal workers to handle security and customs, DIA is facing significant delays. Officials are urging travelers to arrive early, as the combination of increased volume and staffing shortages is causing longer wait times. The airport has been working closely with the federal government to implement temporary measures, but these have proven insufficient to fully address the backlog. In addition, travelers are being encouraged to check for real-time updates regarding any changes to flight times or security lane openings, as delays can fluctuate throughout the day.

Traveler Advisory: Tips for Navigating Airport Disruptions

If you’re flying through any of these six airports, experts recommend arriving 3-4 hours early for domestic flights and 4-5 hours early for international flights to account for the longer wait times at both security and customs. Additionally, it’s advisable to check the MyTSA app or the airport’s official social media pages for real-time updates, as checkpoint closures can occur with very little notice. With staffing shortages affecting multiple major airports, travelers should be prepared for extended delays and possible disruptions.

Chicago joins Atlanta, New York, Los Angeles, Philadelphia, Denver, and other cities in facing severe delays and cancellations due to the US government shutdown. Staffing shortages in TSA and CBP have caused major disruptions, with no end in sight.

Conclusion

Chicago has joined Atlanta, New York, Los Angeles, Philadelphia, Denver, and other cities in facing severe delays and cancellations due to the US government shutdown. The staffing shortages in TSA and CBP are at the root of these disruptions, which are expected to persist for an indefinite period. Travelers should anticipate continued challenges at major airports, with longer wait times and delays affecting both domestic and international flights. As the shutdown continues, these issues may worsen unless a resolution is reached, making it crucial for travelers to stay informed and plan ahead.

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