As Dallas prepares for a surge in World Cup travel just three weeks away, NBC 5 Investigates is examining concerns about short staffing at the Transportation Security Administration.
The Department of Homeland Security says 1,100 TSA agents departed the agency nationwide during the recent DHS shutdown, prompting questions about whether travelers should expect longer lines or added security risks this summer.
In a recent social media post, the TSA said, “…this loss has SIGNIFICANTLY decreased TSA's ability to meet passenger demand and left critical gaps…â€
Aviation security expert Jeff Price said those shortages can directly impact security.
“Anytime you have less personnel in the security system, when they’re supposed to be a certain number, that reduces the level of security you can provide,†Price said.
Price said the shortage may limit the TSA's ability to send additional officers to support World Cup travel demand and warned that overworked staff could increase risks.
“They’re tired, now they’re overwhelmed, and they’re doing the work of two people. All of that equals less security for the traveling public,†Price said.
With just weeks until the World Cup begins, there is little ability to add staff. The TSA says it takes about four months to hire and train a new officer, meaning there will not be a significant influx of new hires before travel ramps up.
NBC 5 Investigates contacted DHS and the TSA to ask how the agency plans to handle the surge with fewer officers, but neither agency responded to several messages.
In a recent social media video posted on X, Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin said TSA expects to process millions of travelers during the World Cup.
“There’s going to be 5-7 million visitors traveling across 11 cities…,†Mullin said.
Mullin said the department is preparing to handle the increased demand.
“We’ve got a whole team set up that’s going to be taking care of all these passengers. Hopefully, we can move them fast and move them secure. And make sure the World Cup is a great experience for everybody,†Mullin said in the video.
At the local level, North Texas airports say they are preparing for increased crowds, and one airport is already cautioning travelers that security times could grow.
Dallas Love Field told NBC 5 Investigates, “Wait times may be similar or higher compared to peak holiday travel times†and said, “Recommended arrival times could increase once the World Cup begins…†The airport currently recommends travelers arrive at least two hours before a flight.
A spokesperson for Dallas Fort Worth International Airport said “…DFW did not have substantial checkpoint staffing impacts during the recent government shutdown…†and added, “…we continue to operate normally.†The airport advises arriving two hours early for domestic flights and three hours for international flights.
Even if checkpoints in Dallas operate smoothly, Price said the broader aviation system could still be affected.
“The whole aviation system is fragile,†Price said.
He noted that with 11 U.S. cities hosting World Cup matches, problems in one location could have ripple effects nationwide.
“What occurs at one airport can affect dozens, if not hundreds of airports across the system,†Price said.
Both DFW Airport and Love Field say they are working closely with federal officials to prepare for World Cup travel. Love Field says it has conducted tabletop exercises and has a backup baggage screening system ready if needed.
NBC 5 Investigates will continue to follow developments related to aviation and security as World Cup travel begins.
Note: AI was used to help convert this story to a print version from an original broadcast script written by a reporter. This version was then edited by a reporter prior to publishing.
