20 US Airports Rely on Private Security Amid Shutdown Concerns

As of March 21, 2026, twenty airports across the United States utilize private security companies for passenger screening instead of the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). This arrangement has proven particularly beneficial during recent partial government shutdowns, maintaining consistent security operations whereas other airports faced disruptions due to TSA staff absences.

The Screening Partnership Program

These airports participate in TSA’s Screening Partnership Program (SPP), which allows them to contract with private companies to handle security checkpoints under federal oversight. The private companies involved include Covenant Aviation Security, VMD Corp., and BOS Security. Unlike TSA-staffed airports, these SPP airports have largely avoided the long lines and disruptions experienced during government shutdowns.

Shutdown Impact and Efficiency

During the recent partial government shutdown, airports like Houston’s George Bush Intercontinental and Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport experienced wait times exceeding two hours due to significant TSA employee absences. In contrast, SPP airports reported minimal delays. VMD Corp., which operates checkpoints at Kansas City International Airport and Orlando Sanford International Airport, advertised wait times of less than three minutes on social media.

Financial Considerations for Private Contractors

While private contractors continue to pay their employees during shutdowns, they bear the financial burden of covering payroll until the government resumes operations and settles outstanding invoices. Nat Carmack of BOS Security, which handles screening at Tupelo Regional Airport in Mississippi, acknowledged this as a challenge for smaller businesses but emphasized their commitment to uninterrupted service.

Oversight and Training Standards

Despite being privately operated, security operations at these airports remain under federal supervision and adhere to the same regulations as TSA-staffed checkpoints. Security screeners employed by private companies receive equivalent training to TSA agents, according to Keith Jeffries, former federal director of TSA security at Los Angeles International Airport and current vice president of K2 Security Screening Group.

Implementation Challenges

Switching to private security screening is not a quick process. Airports must first obtain TSA approval, and the contract awarding process can take up to a year. This lengthy timeline can discourage larger airports from considering privatization, particularly those satisfied with their current TSA staffing levels.

List of Airports Utilizing Private Security (as of March 21, 2026)

• Atlantic City International Airport, Modern Jersey
• Sonoma County–Charles M. Schulz Airport, California
• Dawson Community Airport, Montana
• Great Falls International Airport, Montana
• Glacier Park International Airport, Montana
• Greater Rochester International Airport, New York
• Havre City and County Airport, Montana
• Kansas City International Airport, Missouri
• L. M. Clayton Airport, Montana
• Orlando Sanford International Airport, Florida
• Portsmouth International Airport, New Hampshire
• Punta Gorda Airport, Florida
• Roswell International Air Center, New Mexico
• San Francisco International Airport, California
• Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport, Florida
• Sidney-Richland Municipal Airport, Montana
• Sioux Falls Regional Airport, South Dakota
• Tupelo Regional Airport, Mississippi
• Wokal Field/Glasgow International Airport, Montana
• Yellowstone Airport, Montana

Ongoing Debate and Future Outlook

The success of the SPP during government shutdowns has reignited the debate over privatizing TSA screening. While some see it as a viable solution to mitigate disruptions, others, including the union representing TSA screeners (AFGE), raise concerns about potential safety risks and cost-cutting measures. The long-term role of private contractors in airport security remains a subject of ongoing discussion and evaluation.