Lengthy Airport Security Delays Due to DHS Shutdown

Travelers face hours-long waits at checkpoints in Houston and New Orleans airports

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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Travelers faced lengthy security delays at airports in Houston and New Orleans on Sunday, with some wait times lasting up to 5 hours. Officials blamed the delays on a partial government shutdown of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, which has led to staffing shortages for the Transportation Security Administration.

Why it matters

The DHS shutdown has disrupted airport security operations, causing major inconveniences for travelers during the busy spring break travel season. This highlights the broader impact of political gridlock on critical government functions and public infrastructure.

The details

At William P. Hobby Airport in Houston, the estimated wait time at the standard security checkpoint reached 3 hours at one point. The airport urged travelers to arrive 4-5 hours early. In New Orleans, the airport warned of wait times up to 2 hours due to a shortage of TSA agents. Similar delays were reported at other airports, on top of recent weather-related flight disruptions.

  • On Sunday, March 8, 2026, travelers faced lengthy security delays at airports in Houston and New Orleans.
  • The DHS shutdown began on February 14, 2026.

The players

William P. Hobby Airport

An airport located in Houston, Texas that is part of the Houston Airports system.

George Bush Intercontinental Airport

An airport located in Houston, Texas that is part of the Houston Airports system.

Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport

An airport located in New Orleans, Louisiana.

U.S. Transportation Security Administration (TSA)

The federal agency responsible for security in all modes of transportation.

U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS)

The federal department responsible for public security, including airport security operations.

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What they’re saying

“We are in spring break travel season and expecting record numbers of people to take to the skies. Airlines have done their part to prepare; now Congress and the administration must act with urgency to reach a deal that reopens DHS and ends this shutdown.”

— Chris Sununu, President and CEO of Airlines for America (wishtv.com)

“It was nuts. It was crazy.”

— Jessica Andersen Alexie, Traveler (wishtv.com)

What’s next

Congress and the Trump administration are expected to negotiate a deal to reopen the Department of Homeland Security and end the partial government shutdown that is causing the airport security delays.

The takeaway

The DHS shutdown has severely disrupted airport security operations, leading to hours-long delays for travelers during a busy travel season. This underscores the need for political leaders to resolve budget disputes quickly to avoid disrupting critical government functions that impact the public.