Texas Airports Face Long Delays Amid Ongoing Government Shutdown

HOUSTON, Texas – Travelers heading to airports in Texas this week should brace for long lines and significant delays due to an ongoing government shutdown affecting TSA staffing. At George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH), security wait times may surpass three hours, airport officials warned on Monday.

The shutdown has left TSA agents working without pay, leading to increased callouts and fewer open screening lanes. Currently, only TSA checkpoints at Terminals A and E are open for screening, complicating the process for travelers flying United Airlines, who must check luggage at Terminal C and then walk or take the Subway to Terminal E.

At William P. Hobby Airport, TSA wait times are reported to be over one hour, with other screening lanes also limited. Many passengers have expressed frustration over long wait times, with some missing flights altogether. “I’ve been waiting two and a half hours. My new flight is at 10, but my initial flight was at 7:05. I was quite upset initially,” said traveler Imani Keelin. “Still, I’m a little pissed off for sure,” she added.

Photos taken by travelers show TSA lines at Terminal E extending outside and down the sidewalk, even hours later, despite airport efforts to expedite the process. The Houston Airport System is making concerted efforts to support TSA partners and maintain safety while managing increased traffic.

Travelers are advised to arrive at least three hours early for international flights and two hours for domestic flights until the situation improves. A Tweet from Hobby Airport echoed this message, urging passengers to account for potential delays.

With the government shutdown now in its fifth week, the impact on air travel has become more pronounced. Jim Szczesniak, director of aviation for Houston Airports, stated, “The federal government shutdown has significantly affected TSA staffing and operations nationwide, and we are doing everything possible to support our TSA partners.”

Airports across Texas, including Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport, also report extensive delays. On Monday morning, DFW had 40 delays, while IAH experienced 18. The mounting pressure from travel disruptions is pushing for action from lawmakers as airlines call for a resolution to the shutdown.

Sara Nelson, president of the Association of Flight Attendants, highlighted the impact, stating, “We see the impact of the shutdown there the most. Some people don’t get medicine. The economy stops. The country stops.”

If the shutdown continues, it could become the longest in U.S. history, provoking concern over upcoming travel seasons, especially around Thanksgiving.