FLETCHER, N.C. (828newsNOW) — Long lines and delays were reported at Asheville Regional Airport early in the morning on Thursday, June 19, as TSA equipment issues caused major backups at security checkpoints.
828newsNOW captured images from the terminal showing crowds of travelers packed into the security area, with lines stretching beyond the baggage check-in counters.
One traveler headed to Newark said he had been in line since 6:11 a.m.
Another told 828newsNOW that TSA staff said the scanners were down, causing the delays.
“Chaos at Asheville Regional Airport, 2 out of 3 TSA machines down and hundreds of people waiting! Lord have mercy on us!” one traveler posted on Facebook.
Another reader emailed the newsroom, urging, “Someone should get over to the Asheville airport.”
Airport officials confirmed to 828newsNOW that a TSA equipment failure was the source of the disruption. The exact nature of the malfunction and how long the issue will persist have not been disclosed.
Efforts to reach the TSA for comment have been unsuccessful.
Asheville Regional Airport Vice President of Air Service Development and Corporate Communications Angi Daus said Thursday morning’s incident was not related to the airport’s construction project.
“I’m unable to speak to the particulars of the TSA equipment, you’ll have to contact the TSA PIO for that,” Daus said.
She could not confirm the particulars of airline operations and number of passengers and flights affected.
“What we do know is there were some airlines/flights that were able to delay departures to accommodate as many passengers as possible. Passengers affected can contact both their airline and TSA customer service,” Duas said.
This story is developing and will be updated as more information becomes available.