Two airports opt into TSA’s new privatization model

Federal News Network
Justin Doubleday
20 July 2026

The first two airports have elected to participate in TSA's "Gold+" initiative, which allow private contractors to manage both staff and technology.

Two airports have opted into the Transportation Security Administration’s new “Gold+” privatization model, becoming the first to do so, with TSA employees at those locations being told they will be offered jobs with a to-be-determined private screening contractor.

Des Moines International Airport and Tampa International Airport have each respectively chosen to transition to TSA Gold+, according to emails viewed by Federal News Network...

Two airports opt into TSA’s new privatization model | Federal News Network | 20 July 2026