Study recommends keeping federal TSA workers at Atlanta airport instead of private screeners

Share Add Us On Google Add as a preferred source on Google ATLANTA — A Department of Aviation study recommends keeping federal Transportation Security Administration workers at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport rather than switching to private security screeners. The study was ordered in May, weeks after TSA employees were required to work without pay during the 2026 partial federal government shutdown. During the shutdown, TSA callouts piled up at Hartsfield-Jackson, contributing to long lines and flight cancellations. Atlanta City Council member Byron Amos, who wrote the resolution calling for the study, said he was satisfied with its findings after they were presented Monday. “The findings show what we already know. This issue is not the TSA workers. The issue is the leadership of our congress, who have failed to treat our TSA workers with respect and properly ensure they’re able to get paid during the government shutdown,” Amos said. The study examined whether Hartsfield-Jackson should join the TSA’s Screening Partnership Program, which allows private companies to screen passengers and baggage at commercial airports under TSA oversight. It considered factors including cost, effects on current TSA employees, operational risks and resilience during a federal shutdown. Researchers also examined other airports using the program and international screening models. The study found that private screeners might not be paid during an extended government shutdown if their contractor could not finance payroll. Dr. Tom Nissalke, the airport’s assistant general manager, said the study found no compelling reason to switch to private screening. “When you look at the most fundamental issues of screening, whether it’s passengers or bags, right now there are no chronic issues with screening quality, equipment, outages, scheduling, or other aspects of the screening operation,” Nissalke said. “So we believe there’s no compelling need to adopt the SPP model.” Airport General Manager Ricky Smith told the council’s Transportation Committee that city and airport leaders agreed with the recommendation. “What he’s going to present to you is a conclusion to not privatize security checkpoint management. The mayor agrees with that, the COO agrees with that. We feel it’s the right recommendation,” Smith said. Amos told Atlanta News First that the study should send a message to Congress. “It has never been about the TSA workers. One thing this paper does is it tells congress ‘Hey, you need to make sure you do a better job ensuring aviation is taken care of,’” he said. According to the study, 20 of the nation’s 516 commercial airports use the private-screening program. The largest, San Francisco International Airport, screens about half as many passengers as Hartsfield-Jackson. The lack of a comparable airport using the program factored into the recommendation. Copyright 2026 WANF. All rights reserved.