Travelers at Houston’s George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) faced chaos on Monday as security lines stretched up to four hours amid the ongoing U.S. government shutdown, now in its fifth week.

The shutdown has led to severe staffing shortages across the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and air traffic control, causing mounting delays and cancellations nationwide.

According to airport officials, TSA checkpoints at Terminals C and D have been closed, and only Terminals A and E remain open. Even TSA PreCheck lanes have been suspended at times, forcing all passengers into the same long lines. Some travelers reported waiting over four hours to pass through security, with several missing their flights as a result.

“Houston Airports is doing everything possible to support our TSA partners and keep passengers moving safely and efficiently,” said Jim Szcesniak, Director of Aviation for Houston Airports. “We ask that passengers continue to arrive early and expect extended security wait times until the federal government shutdown is resolved.”

The situation in Houston mirrors a growing nationwide crisis. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) confirmed that nearly 13,000 air traffic controllers have been working without pay, while many others have called in sick. The U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy warned that flight delays and cancellations are likely to worsen if the shutdown continues.

“We work overtime to make sure the system is safe,” Duffy said on Sunday. “We will slow traffic down, and you’ll see delays and cancellations, but we will not compromise safety. These men and women need paychecks, not punishment.”

Over the weekend, the FAA reported more than 16,000 delayed flights and over 2,000 cancellations across the United States. Houston’s Bush Intercontinental recorded one of the highest delay rates in the country, with roughly one-third of flights affected.

Airport officials urged travelers to arrive at least five hours before departure and to monitor airline updates closely. The Houston Airport System also warned that wait times could vary significantly throughout the day, depending on TSA staffing levels.

The ongoing shutdown — now one of the longest in U.S. history — has forced thousands of federal employees in essential roles to work without pay. Many have quit or taken leave, further straining operations. While the FAA and TSA continue to prioritize safety, officials acknowledge that efficiency will continue to decline until Congress passes a new funding bill.

Travel analysts say the impact could become even more severe as the holiday season approaches, with Thanksgiving travel expected to begin in just a few weeks.

For now, passengers flying through Houston and other major U.S. airports are being advised to prepare for long lines, flight delays, and cancellations — and to remain patient as the effects of the shutdown ripple across the nation’s air travel system. (ILKHA)