A partial government shutdown in its 40th day is causing widespread frustration among travelers as hundreds of airport security employees quit or call out due to unpaid wages. The situation is particularly dire at Houston’s George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH), where long lines and missed flights have become the norm.
The TSA has seen a significant increase in wait times, with some airports reporting wait times exceeding four hours. The lack of staffing has led to increased traffic congestion on peak travel days, including Fridays and Mondays.
Some airports, like Hobby Airport, which is located just 30 miles from IAH, are faring better due to the surge of TSA agents deployed during the early stages of the shutdown. However, as the shutdown continues, more airports are experiencing significant increases in wait times.
The Houston Airport System has been providing meals and working with local nonprofits to support TSA agents who are struggling financially due to the unpaid wages. The mayor has called for elected officials to find a solution to the crisis, stating that it’s not rocket science to resolve the dispute and pay the essential workers.
Source: https://edition.cnn.com/2026/03/25/us/houston-bush-airport-tsa-wait-times