Could Atlanta airport go to private TSA? City council approves study
The Atlanta City Council approved a 90-day feasibility study to explore privatizing TSA security operations at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, citing disruptions caused by a partial government shutdown. The study will evaluate the Screening Partnership Program, which already operates at 20 U.S. airports, including San Francisco and Kansas City, with Atlanta potentially becoming the largest airport to adopt it." "article": "The Atlanta City Council voted 11-1 to commission a feasibility study on privatizing security screening at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, the world’s busiest airport. The decision follows disruptions during a partial government shutdown, when unpaid TSA officers caused long security lines and flight delays. The study, due in 90 days, will assess the Screening Partnership Program, a federal-private collaboration where qualified companies handle screening under TSA oversight. Currently, 20 U.S. airports use private security, though most are smaller regional hubs. San Francisco and Kansas City are the largest airports in the program, but Atlanta—with its high international traffic—would be the busiest to transition. The city estimates TSA screening costs between $140 million and $240 million annually, and privatization could reduce expenses while improving stability amid political uncertainty. The study will coincide with Atlanta’s hosting of eight FIFA 2026 World Cup matches, expected to bring tens of thousands of additional travelers. Airport officials are still recovering from shutdown-related staffing shortages, and the upcoming surge in traffic could influence the decision. The Department of Aviation will evaluate operational feasibility, costs, and potential risks before any transition. If approved, Atlanta would join a growing trend of airports seeking alternative security models. The Screening Partnership Program requires compliance with TSA procedures but allows private firms to manage operations, potentially offering more consistent service. The city will review findings carefully before deciding whether to proceed with privatization.
The Atlanta City Council voted 11-1 to commission a feasibility study on privatizing security screening at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, the world’s busiest airport. The decision follows disruptions during a partial government shutdown, when unpaid TSA officers caused long security lines and flight delays. The study, due in 90 days, will assess the Screening Partnership Program, a federal-private collaboration where qualified companies handle screening under TSA oversight. Currently, 20 U.S. airports use private security, though most are smaller regional hubs. San Francisco and Kansas City are the largest airports in the program, but Atlanta—with its high international traffic—would be the busiest to transition. The city estimates TSA screening costs between $140 million and $240 million annually, and privatization could reduce expenses while improving stability amid political uncertainty. The study will coincide with Atlanta’s hosting of eight FIFA 2026 World Cup matches, expected to bring tens of thousands of additional travelers. Airport officials are still recovering from shutdown-related staffing shortages, and the upcoming surge in traffic could influence the decision. The Department of Aviation will evaluate operational feasibility, costs, and potential risks before any transition. If approved, Atlanta would join a growing trend of airports seeking alternative security models. The Screening Partnership Program requires compliance with TSA procedures but allows private firms to manage operations, potentially offering more consistent service. The city will review findings carefully before deciding whether to proceed with privatization.
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