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Airports see hourslong delays due to TSA shortages as Homeland Security shutdown shows no sign of ending
The partial Department of Homeland Security shutdown has reduced TSA staffing, causing some travelers to wait up to five hours at Houston and New Orleans airports during spring break.
- On March 9, 2026, DHS and airports reported hours-long TSA lines at Houston Hobby and Louis Armstrong in New Orleans over the weekend, causing missed flights.
- TSA staffing shortages stem from the partial Department of Homeland Security funding lapse on Feb. 13 and Feb. 14, leaving about 50,000 TSA screeners working without pay and facing their first full missed paycheck.
- High spring‑break volumes meant Houston airports expect more than 2.2 million passengers, with social media and news outlets sharing photos of security lines snaking into parking garages.
- Despite a House vote, congressional gridlock means the U.S. Senate needs 60 votes to pass DHS funding, while Chris Sununu, CEO of Airlines for America, urged Congress and the administration to act.
- Given prior staffing losses, about 1,110 transportation security officers left after the 43‑day shutdown that ended on Nov. 12, 2025, and DHS leadership turmoil included the firing of Kristi Noem.
209 Articles
209 Articles
The government shutdown is hitting airports — but not ICE
Department of Homeland Security. | Image: The Verge Chaos reigned at airports across the country last weekend, with thousands of travelers reportedly waiting in hours-long security lines thanks to staffing shortages. Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and Coast Guard workers have turned to food banks for assistance after weeks without pay. But amid a partial government shutdown aimed at curtailing the Department of Homeland Security's…
Major U.S. Airports Experiencing Hours-Long Delays Due to TSA Staffing Shortages amid Partial Government Shutdown
William P. Hobby Airport in Houston said passengers should arrive between four to five hours before their flightNEED TO KNOWMajor airports in the United States are experiencing long delays due to staffing shortages amid the partial government shutdown of the Department of Homeland SecurityWilliam P. Hobby Airport in Houston said passengers should arrive between four to five hours before their flight to “allow extra time for TSA screening” The pa…
Watauga Democrat
Airports report five-hour lines as airlines call on Congress to fund DHS
(The Center Square) – Airports across the country are reporting increased wait times at security checkpoints as a partial government shutdown continues to impact the Transportation Security Administration.
Katie Britt blasts Democrat for playing 'political games' with shutdown amid airport chaos | Fox Wilmington WSFX-TV
close Video DHS shutdown leads to long lines at airports as TSA staff face pay shortages Fox News’ chief congressional correspondent Chad Pergram reports on the DHS shutdown entering its third week without funding, causing significant delays and long lines at airports. TSA agents are working without pay, leading to staffing shortages. NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles! Senate Republicans are accusing their Democratic counterparts of …
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