HOUSTON — Travelers at Hobby Airport faced hours-long waits on Monday morning, as spring break travel and a partial federal government shutdown created a bottleneck at airport security.
The Houston Airport System reported estimated wait times of three hours at Hobby, while lines at Bush Intercontinental Airport moved more quickly, with waits under 30 minutes as of 9 a.m.
TSA officers, employed by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, have been working without pay since mid-February due to the shutdown. Staffing shortages are limiting the number of open security lanes, which can fluctuate by shift and by airport.
The Houston Airport System said the city’s two major airports expect 2.2 million travelers during spring break this week. “We’re seeing strong travel demand with fewer screening lanes open at some checkpoints,” officials said. “When more passengers meet fewer security lanes, wait times can grow quickly.”
Travelers at Hobby on Sunday also faced waits of around three hours, mirroring delays at other airports such as Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport. Officials advised passengers to arrive at least four hours before their scheduled departures.
Michael Adkison/Houston Public Media reported long lines forming at Hobby, highlighting the ongoing challenges for travelers during peak holiday periods compounded by federal staffing issues.
