San Juan, Puerto Rico – Travelers flying out of Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport (LMM) should expect longer wait times and a concentrated security checkpoint as the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) adjusts operations due to the ongoing federal government shutdown.
Effective Friday, March 6, 2026, TSA has consolidated its passenger screening operations to Terminal B, temporarily ceasing operations in Terminal A. The move aims to maintain security coverage with a reduced workforce impacted by the federal closure. This shift could lead to increased congestion at the remaining checkpoint, according to officials.
Aerostar Puerto Rico, which manages the airport, is advising all passengers to arrive at least three hours before their scheduled departure time. “Anticipamos que esta medida podría generar una mayor concentración de pasajeros en el punto de cotejo del terminal B,” said Jorge Hernández, president of Aerostar Puerto Rico, in a statement. “Por ello, recomendamos a todos los viajeros que lleguen con un mínimo de tres horas de anticipación con respecto a la hora de abordaje de su vuelo.”
The changes come as the federal government shutdown continues to impact federal employees, some of whom are working without pay although others have been temporarily furloughed. Aerostar expressed solidarity with TSA employees and other federal workers facing economic hardship during the shutdown. The company stated it will continue to support them during this challenging time.
The operational changes at LMM mirror similar adjustments happening at other airports as the TSA navigates the challenges posed by the government closure. TSA announced the changes on Friday, March 6, 2026.
The situation highlights the potential disruptions caused by federal government shutdowns, even in essential services like airport security. More information on the TSA changes can be found here. Metro Puerto Rico also reported on the changes.
