Major U.S. Airports Face Hours-Long Delays Due to TSA Staffing Shortages

Partial government shutdown leaves TSA workers without pay, causing security screening backlog

Mar. 9, 2026 at 9:08pm

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Major airports across the United States are experiencing lengthy delays due to staffing shortages at Transportation Security Administration (TSA) checkpoints, a result of the ongoing partial government shutdown. Airports in Houston and New Orleans are advising travelers to arrive several hours early to account for the extended wait times at security.

Why it matters

The TSA staffing shortages highlight the ripple effects of the partial government shutdown, which has left thousands of federal workers, including TSA agents, without paychecks. The delays could disrupt spring break travel plans for many passengers and raise concerns about airport security during a time of heightened tensions.

The details

William P. Hobby Airport in Houston is telling passengers to arrive 4-5 hours before their flights to allow time for TSA screening, as wait times may exceed 3 hours. Similarly, Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport is advising travelers to arrive at least 3 hours early due to a 'shortage of TSA workers at the security checkpoint'. The partial government shutdown began on February 13 when Congress failed to approve funding for the Department of Homeland Security, which oversees the TSA. TSA workers received a partial paycheck on February 28 and will miss their first full paycheck on March 14.

  • The partial government shutdown began on February 13, 2026.
  • TSA workers received a partial paycheck on February 28, 2026.
  • TSA workers will miss their first full paycheck on March 14, 2026.

The players

William P. Hobby Airport

An airport located in Houston, Texas.

Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport

An airport located in Kenner, Louisiana.

Department of Homeland Security

The federal agency that oversees the Transportation Security Administration (TSA).

Transportation Security Administration (TSA)

The federal agency responsible for airport security screening.

U.S. Congress

The legislative branch of the federal government that failed to approve funding for the Department of Homeland Security, leading to the partial government shutdown.

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What they’re saying

“Passengers should arrive between four to five hours before their flight to 'allow extra time for TSA screening'.”

— William P. Hobby Airport

“Travelers should 'arrive at least 3 hours before their scheduled departure to allow plenty of time to undergo security screening'.”

— Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport

What’s next

The Department of Homeland Security faces additional complications as President Donald Trump fired Kristi Noem as head of the agency and selected Republican Sen. Markwayne Mullin of Oklahoma to replace her, starting March 31.

The takeaway

The staffing shortages at TSA checkpoints due to the partial government shutdown are causing major disruptions at airports across the country, underscoring the real-world impacts of political gridlock in Washington. Travelers should plan accordingly and arrive several hours early to ensure they make their flights, while officials work to resolve the funding impasse and restore normal operations.