A report that the U.S. Transportation Security Administration planned to stop security screenings at small airports is false, agency head David Pekoske said.
“I can tell you categorically that is not going to happen,” Pekoske said. “We are not eliminating federal screening at any airport.”
The comments respond to recent media accounts suggesting internal TSA documents considered ending security screening at roughly 150 of the nation’s 440 commercial airports as a cost-saving measure that could trim about $115 million a year.
Pekoske denied those plans and emphasized that federal screening will remain in place at all airports. At the same time, he described potential changes to screening procedures that the TSA is studying to enhance security and improve the passenger experience.
One idea under consideration is creating a dedicated lane where travelers would be screened by explosive-detection canines in addition to standard checks. “Canines are very, very effective at detecting explosives,” Pekoske said. “In the future, we are going to look at the potential for having a dedicated lane for those canine-screened passengers.”
The TSA is exploring a range of options to maintain robust security while finding efficiencies, but Pekoske’s statement makes clear that eliminating federal screening at smaller airports is not among them. Any operational changes would be evaluated for safety, effectiveness and passenger impact before being adopted.
Officials say canine teams have proven to be a reliable tool in detecting explosives and can complement technology and personnel-based screening methods. A dedicated canine lane would aim to add an additional layer of detection without replacing existing federal screening responsibilities.
For now, travelers should expect TSA screening at all federally regulated airports to continue as usual, while the agency examines ways to bolster security measures and streamline the screening process where appropriate.