The email included the following transition dates: January 2027 for Des Moines, February 2027 for Charleston and May 2027 for Tampa.
In a statement, Emily Nipps, a spokesperson for the Tampa airport, said airport officials were told that any airport that applies for the new program could withdraw its application at any time before a contract is issued. Brian Mulcahy, the chief executive of the Des Moines Airport Authority, said in a statement that any current security officers would have the option to continue working at the airport after the T.S.A. selected a screening contractor.
Mr. Mulcahy also said that federal law would ensure that pay and benefits for private screeners would be comparable with those of T.S.A. agents.
A representative for the Charleston airport did not immediately respond to request for comment.
A T.S.A. spokesperson said the agency remains committed to stabilized operations and supporting employees throughout the transition at these airports.
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International, the world’s busiest airport, is undergoing an independent study to evaluate whether the airport should privatize screening. During the last shutdown, some travelers spent four hours in Atlanta’s T.S.A. line.
Christine Chung contributed reporting.
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