Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) is a total mess right now, sorry to say that but it is what it is. They have announced the temporary closure of several TSA checkpoints, causing delays, endless lines, and a lot of confusion among passengers… One of the busiest airports in the northeastern United States is turning into complete chaos.
No reopening date
Two of the main areas of the airport (A-West and F checkpoints) were closed last November 5,2025 (due to the government shutdown).
The first terminal (A-West) is used by British Airways, Lufthansa, and Discover Airlines, and Terminal F is mainly for regional and connecting flights, especially those operated by American Eagle.
With these access points out of service, passengers now have to go through security in other terminals before reaching their boarding gates.
Why are the checkpoints closed?
Basically because there is no staff. The government shutdown is affecting every level of society, and TSA agents and air traffic controllers are also federal employees, which means many have been working for a month without pay. This has led to absences, resignations, and a tense work environment across airports (and any federal office, imagine working for a month knowing you won’t get paid…).
Airport management explained that with so little staff available, it was impossible to keep all checkpoints open. So they decided to concentrate resources in fewer areas, at least keeping the essential operations running.
Survival mode
The closure directly affects four international airlines and dozens of daily connecting flights.
- British Airways, Lufthansa, and Discover Airlines will continue operating but recommend arriving much earlier.
- American Airlines stated that passengers can use other active checkpoints and move between terminals using its shuttle service.
Travelers with TSA PreCheck can still use Terminal C, which will remain open exclusively for this program.
What travelers should do
- Arrive at least 2 hours early for domestic flights and 3 hours for international ones.
- Check which checkpoints are active before leaving home (the airport’s official website updates this in real time).
- And most importantly, be patient, since longer lines and walks between terminals are expected. Remember that the people working are doing so without pay (and without knowing when they’ll receive it…).
The good news is that all checkpoints still allow access between terminals, so even if you have to juggle a bit, you’ll reach your gate if you allow enough time.
No efficiency or security…
The airport’s overall operation is also being affected by the federal shutdown, obviously, fewer workers mean less security.
If the situation continues (it depends on what happens in Washington), other airports across the country could also be affected. And keeping thousands of employees without pay (even if they will be paid retroactively) clearly impacts operations.
We also can’t forget the economic impact, managing delays, covering losses, and rescheduling canceled flights is a huge task.
Federal chaos
Every time the federal government goes into shutdown, the first to feel it are airports, immigration services, and security checkpoints. This time, the Philadelphia administration insists that the closure is “temporary and for safety,” but we know it could last several more weeks if the shutdown isn’t resolved soon.
The system, in general, is quite fragile during a federal shutdown, and right now airports are feeling it the most. Philadelphia handles around 30 million travelers a year, so any issue affects a huge number of people.
Let’s hope this situation doesn’t drag on and everything returns to normal soon. For now, if you’re traveling to Philadelphia, coffee and patience, my friend.