Travelers at Houston airports are facing significant delays as staffing shortages among TSA officers persist amid the ongoing Department of Homeland Security shutdown, federal officials said.

New data released by the Department of Homeland Security shows absenteeism among Transportation Security Administration officers has surged nationwide, with callout rates topping 11.5% on Friday, March 21 — the highest recorded during the shutdown.

In Houston, the numbers were even more severe.

At George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH), 42.4% of TSA officers reportedly called out, while at William P. Hobby Airport (HOU), that figure climbed to 47.4%, among the highest rates in the country.

Federal officials say the staffing shortages are contributing to long security lines and extended wait times for travelers, particularly during the busy spring break travel period.

According to DHS, TSA officers have now gone without pay for the third time in six months, creating financial strain that is impacting attendance.

“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,” the agency said in a statement.

Over the past week, TSA callout rates have remained above 9% nationwide, with more than half of those days exceeding 10%, officials said.

Significant major airport TSA callouts for March 21:

What travelers should know at Houston airports

Airport officials say operational changes are also in place that could further impact wait times:

At George Bush Intercontinental Airport:

TSA PreCheck is only available in Terminals A and C

Standard TSA screening is limited to Terminals A and E

The TSA checkpoint in Terminal D is closed

The Subway system remains available pre-security to connect all terminals

At William P. Hobby Airport:

TSA is operating reduced screening lanes, which may increase wait times

Check Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) TSA wait times here.

Check Hobby Airport (HOU) TSA wait times here.

Federal response

In response, the Trump administration says it is taking steps to address the issue.

Acting Assistant Secretary Lauren Bis said Donald Trump is directing additional resources to airports experiencing the most disruption.

“President Trump is using every tool available to help American travelers who are facing hours-long lines at airports across the country,” Bis said. “This shutdown has caused more than 400 TSA officers to quit and thousands to call out from work.”

Bis added that hundreds of ICE officers are being deployed to assist at impacted airports in an effort to ease delays and maintain security operations.

The DHS statement places blame for the shutdown on Democrats, calling it “pointless” and warning it could impact the safety and reliability of air travel.

Meanwhile, travelers in Houston and across the country are being urged to arrive early and prepare for delays as the situation continues.

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