Security lines ease at NYC airports, but LaGuardia delays persist | See latest
NEW YORK - Travelers passing through the New York City area’s busiest airports are, for now, seeing shorter security lines as TSA workers begin receiving pay after weeks of disruption tied to a partial government shutdown.
However, wait times at some LaGuardia gates are reaching up to 120 minutes.
SKIP TO: TSA WAIT TIMES
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - MARCH 28: An ICE agent hands a traveler their ID at a TSA security checkpoint in LaGuardia Airport, on March 28, 2026 in New York, New York. The travel disruptions continue as hundreds of TSA agents quit or work without pay durin
As of Wednesday, wait times at Newark Liberty International Airport have dropped significantly, with most passengers reporting delays between 10 and 20 minutes, according to airport officials and travelers, while LaGuardia is still experiencing delays of up to two hours.
The improvement comes after Transportation Security Administration workers received their first paychecks Monday. However, those payments do not cover the full duration of the shutdown, and uncertainty over future pay remains.
More than 500 TSA workers resign
BALTIMORE, MARYLAND - MARCH 30: TSA workers assist travelers through security at BWI Airport on March 30, 2026 in Baltimore, Maryland. Airports around the country started recovering from long lines as TSA Agents begin to receive their first paychecks
More than 500 TSA workers have resigned nationwide since the shutdown began in mid-February, contributing to staffing shortages. Some airports across the country have reported callout rates as high as 40%, straining operations during a busy travel season.
Despite those challenges, conditions at Newark appeared relatively stable Wednesday.
The backstory:
The broader funding dispute in Washington remains unresolved. Lawmakers have yet to pass a bill to fund the Department of Homeland Security, which oversees TSA. Congress is currently on a two-week recess, with only brief sessions scheduled this week.
The White House is calling on lawmakers to return to Washington and reach a deal, warning that continued uncertainty could again impact airport operations.
TSA wait times at NYC-area airports
LaGuardia Airport (New York)
More than 120 minutes
Updated April 1 at 7:38 a.m. ET
John F. Kennedy International Airport (New York)
Up to 31 minutes
Updated April 1 at 7:38 a.m. ET
Newark Liberty International Airport (Newark, New Jersey)
Up to 19 minutes
Updated April 1 at 7:38 a.m. ET
Check the status of each airport below:
LaGuardia Airport status
- More information from FlightAware can be found here.
Newark Airport status
- More information from FlightAware can be found here.
JFK Airport status
- More information from FlightAware can be found here.
Officials warn delays could increase if the shutdown continues and staffing levels are affected. Travelers are advised to arrive early and check for updates before heading to the airport.
The Source: This report is based on previous reporting from FOX 5 NY.