By Blessing Nweke

Travelers across the United States are grappling with severe airport delays, with security wait times stretching beyond four hours in some locations as a partial government shutdown disrupts operations.

The worst-hit hub is George Bush Intercontinental Airport, where nearly 40% of Transportation Security Administration staff reportedly failed to show up for duty. The widespread absenteeism stems from hundreds of unpaid federal workers missing paychecks, forcing many to call out of work and leaving airports struggling to maintain normal screening capacity.

Officials say the situation is rapidly deteriorating. Jim Szczesniak, director of aviation for the Houston Airport System, confirmed that only one-third to half of TSA checkpoints are currently operational. “That is not sustainable,” he warned, noting that peak spring break travel demand is overwhelming reduced staffing levels.

The disruption is not limited to Houston. Airports nationwide are experiencing long queues as the Transportation Security Administration copes with rising absenteeism and staff resignations. More than 450 agents have reportedly quit since the shutdown began, compounding the strain on the remaining workforce.

In response, the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement has deployed hundreds of officers to assist at major airports, including those in New York, Atlanta and Houston. Authorities are also considering additional reinforcements if conditions worsen.

US President Donald Trump praised the emergency deployments and suggested the National Guard could be mobilised if necessary, while blaming political opponents for the funding impasse.

Meanwhile, negotiations in Congress remain deadlocked, with disputes over immigration policy blocking funding agreements. Aviation officials warn that unless a resolution is reached soon, delays could intensify further—especially with major sporting events and increased summer travel on the horizon.