Long Airport Security Waits as DHS Shutdown Impacts Checkpoints

Travelers face hours-long delays at some airports due to TSA staffing shortages from government closure

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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Travelers reported lengthy waits of up to 3-5 hours at security checkpoints in airports in Houston and New Orleans on Sunday, which officials attributed to the ongoing partial government shutdown of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. The shutdown has affected staffing levels for the Transportation Security Administration, leading to the extended delays for passengers trying to get through security before their flights.

Why it matters

The shutdown of the Department of Homeland Security has created staffing shortages for the TSA, which is responsible for airport security screenings. This has led to major disruptions for travelers, especially during peak travel periods like spring break, raising concerns about the impacts on the aviation industry and the ability of passengers to reliably reach their destinations on time.

The details

At Houston's William P. Hobby Airport, the security checkpoint wait time reached 3 hours at one point on Sunday evening. The airport warned travelers they may need to arrive 4-5 hours before their flights to account for the delays. Similar issues were reported at the Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport, where wait times were up to 2 hours due to a shortage of TSA agents. Airlines and industry groups have urged Congress and the Trump administration to reach a deal to reopen the DHS and end the shutdown, which is impacting the critical transportation security workforce.

  • On Sunday, March 9, 2026, travelers faced lengthy security delays at airports in Houston and New Orleans.
  • The Houston airport warned of 3-5 hour waits at security checkpoints on Sunday evening.

The players

Houston Airports

The organization that operates the William P. Hobby Airport and George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston.

Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport

The main airport serving the New Orleans metropolitan area.

Transportation Security Administration (TSA)

The federal agency responsible for airport security screenings, which has been impacted by staffing shortages due to the partial government shutdown.

Chris Sununu

The president and CEO of Airlines for America, a trade group representing U.S. airlines.

Jessica Andersen Alexie

A traveler who experienced the long security lines at Hobby Airport in Houston while trying to return home to New Orleans.

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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, Airlines for America (wral.com)

“It was nuts. It was crazy.”

— Jessica Andersen Alexie (wral.com)

What’s next

Congress and the Trump administration are under pressure to reach a deal to reopen the Department of Homeland Security and end the partial government shutdown, which is causing major disruptions at airports across the country.

The takeaway

The ongoing DHS shutdown is having a significant impact on the nation's air travel system, with travelers facing hours-long delays at security checkpoints due to TSA staffing shortages. This highlights the critical role that federal transportation security plays and the need for policymakers to resolve the shutdown to minimize further disruptions to air travel.