Airports See Hourslong Security Delays Amid DHS Shutdown

Travelers faced long waits at checkpoints in Houston and New Orleans due to staffing shortages.

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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Travelers at airports in Houston and New Orleans experienced security checkpoint wait times of up to 5 hours on Sunday, which officials blamed on a partial government shutdown of the Department of Homeland Security. The delays came as TSA agents were expected to work without pay during the ongoing shutdown.

Why it matters

The extended security lines highlight the impact of the DHS shutdown on critical transportation infrastructure, potentially disrupting travel plans for thousands of passengers. It also raises concerns about the ability of TSA to maintain adequate staffing levels during a prolonged budget impasse.

The details

At the William P. Hobby Airport in Houston, the estimated wait time at the standard security checkpoint reached 3 hours at one point on Sunday evening. The Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport also reported longer-than-average lines due to a shortage of TSA agents, with wait times potentially lasting up to 2 hours. The delays came on top of recent flight delays in places like Atlanta due to weather.

  • On Sunday, March 9, 2026, travelers experienced the extended security wait times.
  • The DHS shutdown began on February 14, 2026.

The players

William P. Hobby Airport

An airport located in Houston, Texas.

Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport

An airport located in New Orleans, Louisiana.

Transportation Security Administration (TSA)

The federal agency responsible for security at U.S. airports.

Department of Homeland Security (DHS)

The federal department that oversees the TSA and other agencies responsible for national security.

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What they’re saying

“It was nuts. It was crazy.”

— A mom

What’s next

The DHS shutdown is ongoing, and it remains to be seen how long the extended security wait times will continue at airports across the country.

The takeaway

The DHS shutdown is having a direct impact on the ability of the TSA to maintain adequate staffing at airport security checkpoints, leading to significant travel disruptions for passengers. This highlights the need for a timely resolution to the budget impasse to ensure the smooth operation of critical transportation infrastructure.