Ground Delays at Houston Airports Due to Staffing Issues

HOUSTON, Texas — The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has implemented ground delays at George Bush Intercontinental Airport and William P. Hobby Airport due to ongoing staffing shortages. The delays began at 1 p.m. on Friday and are expected to last into the evening.

At Bush Intercontinental Airport, the ground delay is estimated to continue until 10 p.m., with reported departure delays averaging 45 minutes. Delays at Hobby Airport are anticipated until midnight, with an average delay of one hour and 20 minutes.

The staffing issues stem from a federal government shutdown that has affected the availability of air traffic personnel across the country. This is part of a broader trend, with nationwide figures indicating that over 17,000 flights experienced delays on Friday.

“The number of flights or air traffic volume that could be impacted could go up in the days to come if the shutdown is not resolved, so be prepared for that,” said Daniel Armbruster, a spokesman for AAA Texas.

Travelers flying out of Bush or Hobby Airports on Friday are advised to contact their flight carriers for updates and potential rebooking options. Many passengers have reported significant delays, with one individual, Dee Dee Jones, saying, “I even contemplated going home and driving, but…that was not feasible, so we just had to make it work.”

For those checking prior to travel, the TSA security lines were reported to be running smoothly at both airports on Friday afternoon.

As travel conditions evolve, passengers are urged to stay informed of their flight status and be aware of the potential for further delays.