by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman
March 17, 2026
Delta, whose main hub is at the airport, had to make two ground stops due to “operational issues.”
Atlanta’s main airport, Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport, had a difficult Monday at the start of a busy travel week, dealing with storm-related flight delays and cancellations as TSA problems mounted.
On March 16, the Atlanta area experienced severe weather, with thunderstorms and even snow occurring in some parts. The weather problem was greatest in the morning, with rain affecting many flights early Monday.
As a result, there were nearly 800 flight delays and over 300 cancellations at the world’s busiest airport, according to WSB-TV. Delta, whose hub is at Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport, even preemptively asked passengers to reschedule their flights if possible to ease travel issues.
The major US airline even initiated two ground stops amid the travel chaos. It called for the suspension of all inbound flights to Atlanta for “operational reasons.”
“Delta requested a short air traffic control program from the FAA on Monday evening to measure incoming flights to our Atlanta hub for operational purposes. We appreciate the partnership with air traffic control and the patience of our customers as we work through the resulting delays caused by severe weather in eastern North America today,” Delta said in a statement obtained by the news agency.
However, the weather wasn’t the only concern for Hartsfield-Jackson and Delta, as a shortage of TSA officers due to the government shutdown compounded problems as the Department of Homeland Security went a fifth week without funding. TSA officers have officially not received full paychecks, creating a labor shortage this travel season.
Although the problem is already worsening at airports in Dallas and Austin, it is now leading to hours-long waits at security checkpoints in Atlanta. Staff have used social media to warn travelers to arrive extra early to catch their flights. Videos of the long queues at the airport went viral on social media.
This is getting ridiculous. pic.twitter.com/qBqApyP1JV
— All Georgia (@GAFollowers) March 17, 2026
As of now, airport officials have urged passengers to exercise caution given the long security lines.
Officials wrote: “Travellers are asked to allow additional time for security screening and to arrive at least three hours before their flight. We appreciate our passengers’ patience as we work to resolve the issue.”
The significant wait times in Atlanta that are now continuing due to TSA staffing issues are a sign that another major airport is being affected by the ongoing government shutdown.
RELATED CONTENT: Organizers Claim Target Boycott Will Continue Despite Claims It’s Over, Pastor Jamal Bryant Addresses Backlash