HOUSTON (AP) — George Bush Intercontinental Airport is feeling the brunt of the ongoing partial government shutdown, causing significant disruptions to air travel. Frustrated passengers are reporting wait times of up to four hours at security. This issue stems from many Transportation Security Administration (TSA) workers not showing up for work due to unpaid wages during the shutdown.
Edgaer Fernando, waiting at the airport, expressed his frustration, saying he arrived at 8 a.m. and faced long lines.
Bush Intercontinental’s struggles are particularly severe compared to other airports. Experts attribute this to several factors. Firstly, Houston has one of the highest rates of TSA worker absenteeism. While only 11% of TSA staff nationwide did not report to work on a recent day, the numbers were significantly higher in Houston—nearly 40% at Bush Intercontinental and 43% at Hobby Airport, Houston’s other major airport.
Johnny Jones from the American Federation of Government Employees highlighted ongoing financial stress among TSA personnel. “Workers are fatigued from financial struggles and staff shortages,” he noted.
Budget cuts and ongoing economic challenges have hindered hiring new TSA workers. Houston’s airports saw around 48.4 million passengers in 2024, with Bush Intercontinental serving as a vital hub for United Airlines.
The timing is especially troublesome this March, a busy month featuring the NCAA Tournament, the World Baseball Classic, and the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. Mayor John Whitmire stated that despite frustrations, hotel bookings in Houston are at record highs.
On a brighter note, reports indicate that wait times slightly improved recently, taking less than two hours to pass through TSA.
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Houston, General news, George W. Bush, Aerospace and defense industry, Transportation Security Administration, Airport security, Texas, TX State Wire, AP Top News, Juan A. Lozano, John Whitmire, Jobs and careers, U.S. news, Johnny Jones, Raj Chauhan, Politics
