Security Policy Alert: TSA Suspends EDSE Requirement for Aviation Worker Screening
October 16, 2025
In an “industry security awareness message” posted to HSIN today, TSA states that covered airport operators may pause their implementation of aviation worker screening measures with future implementation dates, such as the Explosives Detection Screening Equipment (EDSE) requirements, until further notice.
TSA issued the industry security awareness message in response to the August 22 ruling of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit which directed TSA to initiate rulemaking procedures under the Administrative Procedures Act for the aviation worker screening requirements imposed on airport operators under an airport security program national amendment in 2023 (TSA-NA-23-02). Citing security concerns, the Court did not suspend or repeal the national amendment.
In today’s message, TSA declares that the agency has determined that it will develop a rulemaking in accordance with the Court’s mandate. TSA has also determined that covered airport operators must maintain their aviation worker screening efforts in place as of August 22, 2025. However, for measures with future implementation dates, like the EDSE requirements originally set to go into effect in April 2026, airports may pause their implementation of these requirements until further notice. TSA specifically states that airport operators shall not be required to implement additional security procedures, begin new actions, or procure new equipment to meet the requirements of TSA-NA-23-02.
AAAE has long advocated for the repeal or at least suspension of the EDSE requirements for aviation worker screening. For years, we have asked Congress to rescind the mandate for airports to purchase and deploy explosive detection screening equipment to screen aviation workers. This costly mandate duplicates what TSA already has in place and was imposed without proper consideration of the financial and operational burden on airports or a detailed analysis on security implications.
Most non-urgent policy related activities are currently paused at TSA due to the government shutdown. AAAE will keep you updated as we learn more about the timeframe and substance for a TSA rulemaking on aviation worker screening.
In an “industry security awareness message” posted to HSIN today, TSA states that covered airport operators may pause their implementation of aviation worker screening measures with future implementation dates, such as the Explosives Detection Screening Equipment (EDSE) requirements, until further notice.
TSA issued the industry security awareness message in response to the August 22 ruling of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit which directed TSA to initiate rulemaking procedures under the Administrative Procedures Act for the aviation worker screening requirements imposed on airport operators under an airport security program national amendment in 2023 (TSA-NA-23-02). Citing security concerns, the Court did not suspend or repeal the national amendment.
In today’s message, TSA declares that the agency has determined that it will develop a rulemaking in accordance with the Court’s mandate. TSA has also determined that covered airport operators must maintain their aviation worker screening efforts in place as of August 22, 2025. However, for measures with future implementation dates, like the EDSE requirements originally set to go into effect in April 2026, airports may pause their implementation of these requirements until further notice. TSA specifically states that airport operators shall not be required to implement additional security procedures, begin new actions, or procure new equipment to meet the requirements of TSA-NA-23-02.
AAAE has long advocated for the repeal or at least suspension of the EDSE requirements for aviation worker screening. For years, we have asked Congress to rescind the mandate for airports to purchase and deploy explosive detection screening equipment to screen aviation workers. This costly mandate duplicates what TSA already has in place and was imposed without proper consideration of the financial and operational burden on airports or a detailed analysis on security implications.
Most non-urgent policy related activities are currently paused at TSA due to the government shutdown. AAAE will keep you updated as we learn more about the timeframe and substance for a TSA rulemaking on aviation worker screening.
