26
SECURITY    
July | August 2026      AirportImprovement.com
PGD | SFO
“During shutdowns, our employees continue to work because 
they continue to get paid,” Hyde notes. 
Looking Ahead
Not surprisingly, interest in adopting the SPP approach is growing 
as airports face increasing passenger expectations. Less frequent, 
but highly disruptive, staffing challenges during government 
shutdowns also has it top of mind.    
In fact, expanding privatized screening is part of the proposed 
2027 federal budget. President Trump is calling for increased SPP 
participation, framing it as a way to reduce disruptions and save 
money. 
This initiative might be the right idea at the right time. Airports 
that experienced hours-long security lines as unpaid TSA 
officers called out en masse are now taking a closer look at the 
alternative approach. 
“This is probably the most serious move we’ve seen to alter the 
composition of who staffs airport checkpoints,” Yakel says. “Part 
of our rationale back in 2001 to become part of the program is 
that if privatization is the way the industry is heading, the SPP 
will position us to be ready for that when it comes. At the time, 
we never thought being part of the SPP would insulate us from 
government shutdowns and the disruption they create. But it’s 
been a wonderful unintended consequence.”
For airports interested in making the change, Yakel describes 
the path into the program as relatively straightforward.
Participation is open to all federally staffed airports that require 
passenger screening, and airport operators can apply through their 
local TSA Federal Security Director. Per standards established in 
the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018, TSA will review an airport’s 
application and issue a determination within 60 days. If approved, 
TSA will contract a private screening provider, typically within 120 
days. After a contract is awarded, it can take another 120 days to 
transition into the program, depending on airport size. 
Yakel and Laroche both encourage any airport interested in the 
program to submit an application soon. “You don’t want to be the 
last one to apply,” says Laroche. “It takes a bit of time to get this 
program into place. You don’t want to be on the backend of a 
landslide.” 
TSA declined to participate in this article but provided the following 
statement: The airports and contractors interviewed are not 
speaking for the TSA, nor do they represent the TSA office. 
October 5 – 8, 2026
Arlington, VA 
Join airport leaders, regulators, and security 
professionals to explore the latest developments 
affecting U.S. and Canadian airports.
2026
ACI-NA PS&S/ACC 
SECURITY
TECHNOLOGY
CONFERENCE
SCAN TO LEARN MORE
EARLY-BIRD REGISTRATION ENDS
AUGUST 21
VISIT: QRCO.DE/2026PSS

View this content as a flipbook by clicking here.