Houston Airport Security Delays Continue Amid TSA Staffing Shortages
Travelers flying through George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) and William P. Hobby Airport (HOU) are experiencing significant security delays due to ongoing staffing shortages within the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). The delays are a result of the continuing partial government shutdown, impacting TSA officers working without pay.
Current Wait Times and Operational Changes
As of Monday, March 23, 2026, passengers at Bush Airport may encounter wait times exceeding an hour and a reduced number of screening lanes. TSA PreCheck is available only during the early part of the day and will close at all terminals at 10:30 a.m. Standard screening is currently available in Terminals A, C, and E. CLEAR is not operating at Bush Airport on Monday. Fox 26 Houston reports that ICE agents have been seen at the airport to assist with the increased passenger volume.
At Hobby Airport, TSA is operating with reduced screening lanes, which may also increase wait times. However, wait times at Hobby Airport were reported to be under 15 minutes on Monday morning, though travelers are still advised to arrive early. Houston Airport System provides updates on security wait times.
National Impact and Staffing Levels
The delays in Houston are part of a nationwide trend. Latest data reveals that TSA call-out rates are among the highest in the country at both Houston airports. According to KHOU 11, Hobby Airport has a call-out rate of 47.4%, even as Bush Airport’s rate is 42.4%.
Nationwide, approximately 11.5% of DHS employees called out sick on Friday, marking the highest single-day percentage during the shutdown. Other airports experiencing high call-out rates include:
- HOU: 47.4%
- IAH: 42.4%
- MSY: 34.1%
- ATL: 33.6%
- JFK: 33.4%
- BWI: 29.4%
- MDW: 29.1%
- PIT: 23%
- PHL: 21.5%
- LGA: 17.3%
Why are TSA Officers Calling Out?
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) stated that TSA officers have been working without pay for multiple periods in the last six months. This financial strain has led many officers to call out sick, as they struggle to cover basic expenses like rent, food, and transportation. KHOU 11 reported that “Many TSA officers cannot pay their rent, buy food, or afford to put gas in their cars — forcing them to call out sick from work.”
ICE Agent Deployment
In response to the staffing shortages, federal immigration officers from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) have been deployed to assist at airports across the country. President Donald Trump announced a plan to have ICE agents guard exit lanes or check passenger IDs. ICE agents were spotted at both Houston airports on Monday, as well as at airports in New Orleans and Phoenix.
Traveler Recommendations
Airport officials advise travelers to be aware of potential delays and to allow plenty of time to get through security. Checking wait times before heading to the airport is highly recommended. Click here to check wait times at Bush Airport and here for Hobby Airport.