Massive Airport Delays Amid Ongoing DHS Shutdown

TSA advises passengers to arrive 4 hours early to avoid missing flights

Published on Mar. 10, 2026

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As the lapse in funding at the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) continues, TSA agents have been grappling with partial paychecks and the shutdown is causing massive delays at some airports across the country, with wait times for travelers of up to 3.5 hours reported at major hubs due to officer shortages. The TSA website and app have also paused operations, leaving travelers without access to wait time information.

Why it matters

The ongoing DHS shutdown is having a severe impact on air travel, with passengers facing lengthy delays and the potential to miss their flights. This highlights the broader consequences of political gridlock and the importance of maintaining critical government functions, especially those related to national security and public safety.

The details

TSA is advising passengers to arrive 'as early as possible' to avoid missing their flights, with some airports recommending arriving 3-4 hours before scheduled departure. The Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport and William P. Hobby Airport in Houston have both issued advisories for travelers to arrive extra early. TSA Cares Assistance is still operating for passengers needing special assistance, but the TSA website and app have been paused, leaving travelers without access to real-time wait time information.

  • On February 17, the TSA website and app paused operations due to the DHS funding lapse.
  • On Sunday, March 8, the Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport advised passengers to arrive 3 hours early.
  • On Monday, March 9, a TSA spokesperson stated that staff managing the website and app have been furloughed.

The players

Department of Homeland Security (DHS)

The federal agency responsible for protecting the United States from terrorism and managing the country's borders, immigration, and disaster response.

Transportation Security Administration (TSA)

A component of the DHS that is responsible for security screening at airports and other transportation hubs.

Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport

A major airport serving the New Orleans metropolitan area.

William P. Hobby Airport

A commercial airport located in Houston, Texas.

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What they’re saying

“Some individual airports track [security line] wait times, [so] we would point them [in] that direction.”

— TSA spokesperson (Fox News Digital)

“As staffing constraints arise, TSA will evaluate on a case-by-case basis and adjust operations accordingly.”

— TSA spokesperson (Fox News Digital)

“Today, travelers are facing TSA lines of up to nearly 3 hours long at some major airports, causing missed flights and massive delays during peak travel.”

— Lauren Bis, DHS deputy assistant secretary for public affairs (Fox News Digital)

What’s next

As the DHS shutdown continues, airport delays are expected to worsen, potentially leading to more missed flights and disruptions for travelers. The TSA and airports will need to continue adjusting operations to mitigate the impact on passengers.

The takeaway

The ongoing DHS shutdown is having a severe impact on air travel, underscoring the importance of maintaining critical government functions and the need for political leaders to find a resolution to the funding impasse. Travelers should plan ahead and allow extra time to navigate the delays at airports across the country.