PHILADELPHIA, Pa. — November 5, 2025 — Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) announced that two Transportation Security Administration (TSA) security-screening checkpoints — located at Terminal A-West and Terminal F — are temporarily closed beginning Wednesday, as the federal government shutdown continues to strain staffing levels nationwide.
Airport officials said the move is intended to “maintain efficiency and safety” by reallocating limited TSA personnel to other active checkpoints, including Terminals A-East, B, C, and D/E. The closures affect both domestic and international travelers, with A-West handling many international flights and F serving a high volume of regional departures.
“We are working closely with TSA leadership to minimize passenger disruption,” a PHL spokesperson said Tuesday. “All travelers will still be able to reach their gates, but we urge everyone to plan ahead and arrive early.”
What Travelers Should Know
- All passengers can use any open TSA checkpoint, regardless of their departure terminal.
- Expect longer lines and additional travel time — PHL recommends arriving at least 2 hours before domestic flights and 3 hours for international departures.
- Shuttle buses and pedestrian walkways between terminals remain operational for passenger transfers.
Impact of the Federal Shutdown
The closures come amid the ongoing federal government shutdown, which has forced many TSA employees to work without pay, leading to staffing shortages at airports across the country. Similar disruptions have been reported in New York, Washington D.C., and Chicago as federal agencies scale back operations.
It remains unclear when the closed checkpoints will reopen. The airport has pledged to update travelers via its official channels and digital signage within terminals.
Terminal Overview
- A-West: Primarily serves international carriers, including British Airways, Lufthansa, and Qatar Airways.
- F Terminal: Home to many American Airlines regional flights and commuter connections.
Traveler Advisory
Passengers are encouraged to check with their airlines for any gate or check-in changes, monitor TSA wait times through the MyPHL app, and follow updates on PHL.org and official airport social media channels.
