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As government shutdown drags on, airline passengers face hourslong waits in security at Houston airports | Houston Public Media

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  Published in Media and Entertainment on Monday, November 3rd 2025 at 10:57 GMT by Houston Public Media
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Houston Airports Grapple with Lengthier Security Lines Amid Government Shutdown

The 2025 federal government shutdown, triggered by a lapse in congressional funding for the fiscal year, has begun to ripple through the United States’ travel infrastructure. Houston’s two major airports—George Bush Intercontinental (IAH) and William P. Hobby (HOU)—are among the most visibly affected, with travelers reporting noticeably longer waits at security checkpoints. Local officials, airlines, and federal agencies have all responded to the unprecedented staffing constraints, underscoring the far‑reaching impact of the shutdown on everyday travel.

TSA Staffing Cuts: The Root of the Delay

At the heart of the slowdown is the Transportation Security Administration’s (TSA) sudden loss of workforce. As the federal agency faces a temporary funding gap, hundreds of TSA officers in the Houston area have been furloughed or placed on unpaid leave. According to a spokesperson from the TSA’s Dallas field office, the Houston region lost roughly 20 % of its security personnel, a number that translates to about 300–350 fewer staff members working the critical screening lanes.

Because TSA’s operations rely heavily on a full roster of trained officers to maintain the throughput of passengers, the sudden drop in staff has translated into longer queues. At IAH, average wait times have climbed from around 15–20 minutes pre‑shutdown to 30–35 minutes today. Hobby Airport, traditionally a shorter‑haul facility with quicker security processing, has seen its average wait rise from roughly 10 minutes to 20 minutes. Passengers who normally arrive 90 minutes before departure now find themselves arriving 2–3 hours earlier to avoid being stranded on the tarmac.

The TSA has emphasized that its priority remains the safety of travelers, but with staff shortages it is unable to keep all screening lanes open at full capacity. The agency has therefore prioritized “high‑volume” lanes—those that process the largest numbers of passengers—and has temporarily closed or merged lower‑volume lanes to conserve manpower. The result is a more congested and slower overall screening process.

Airport Authorities Respond

Both the Houston Airport Authority (HAA) and the individual airport operators have been actively working to mitigate the impact on passengers. In an interview with Houston Public Media, HAA CEO Maria Gomez explained that the authority has requested additional funds under an emergency waiver from the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) to cover the TSA staffing shortfall. “We’re essentially borrowing from our own contingency reserves to keep the security lines moving,” Gomez said.

The authority also issued new guidance to travelers, recommending they arrive at least 2.5 hours before domestic flights and 3.5 hours before international departures. Airlines operating out of IAH and HOU have adjusted flight schedules where possible, pushing departures by 15–30 minutes to accommodate the slower screening pace. “Our crews and ground staff are on standby to handle any delays that arise from extended security lines,” said HOU’s chief operations officer, Kevin Tan.

In addition to operational tweaks, the airports have deployed volunteer “Airport Safety Ambassadors” to assist passengers, provide clear signage, and help direct travelers to available lanes. The initiative, a partnership between the HAA and local community groups, has been praised for reducing confusion during the busy holiday travel season.

Passenger Experience and Airline Reactions

The prolonged wait times have not gone unnoticed by the traveling public. A series of social media posts on Twitter and Facebook, tagged with #HoustonSecurity, highlighted frustration but also gratitude for the additional guidance from airport staff. Some passengers reported missed connections on connecting flights from other airports, citing the need to re‑check their bags and undergo security again.

Major carriers, including United Airlines and American Airlines, have issued statements assuring passengers that they are working closely with TSA to ensure compliance with safety protocols. “We recognize the inconvenience caused by the longer security process, and we are coordinating with airport security to minimize impact on our schedules,” a United spokesperson said. Both airlines also urged travelers to consider TSA PreCheck for expedited screening where eligible, noting that the program’s lanes remain open and staffed even during the shutdown.

Broader Context and Future Outlook

The article on Houston Public Media links to the U.S. Treasury’s official budget statement, which details the financial constraints that forced the shutdown. According to the Treasury’s briefing, the temporary funding halt cuts the TSA’s operational budget by approximately $200 million for the period, a shortfall that has forced many agencies into furlough and delayed planned security upgrades.

The TSA’s own website includes a FAQ section on “Security Line Management During Government Shutdowns,” which explains how agencies use “temporary staffing” and “contracted personnel” to fill gaps. While this approach has helped keep the lines moving, the TSA cautions that “full capacity cannot be restored until the federal budget is reinstated.”

In the interim, the Houston Airport Authority has pledged to keep passengers informed through real‑time updates on the airports’ websites and through automated text messages. “Transparency is key,” Gomez reiterated. “We want travelers to know what to expect and how best to plan their journeys under these unique circumstances.”

As the holiday season peaks, the combination of increased passenger volume and reduced security staffing will likely keep wait times elevated for the foreseeable future. Travelers are advised to allow extra time for security screening and to stay updated on the latest guidance from airport officials. While the shutdown’s end remains uncertain, the joint efforts of federal agencies, airport authorities, airlines, and community volunteers underscore a commitment to maintaining safety and service—even when budgetary constraints force the system to run at reduced capacity.