Houston's Bush Intercontinental Airport hit hard by government shutdown
AP News • • nation
Key Points:
- George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston is facing severe delays during the partial government shutdown, with TSA worker absences causing wait times of up to four hours at security checkpoints.
- TSA callout rates in Houston are significantly higher than the national average, with nearly 40% of TSA workers absent at Bush Intercontinental and 43% at Hobby Airport, compared to 11% nationwide.
- The airport's high passenger volume, particularly as a major United Airlines hub, combined with economic hardships for TSA employees and increased spring travel and events, has exacerbated staffing shortages.
- Despite the delays, Houston is experiencing record hotel bookings and tourism activity due to major events like the World Baseball Classic and NCAA Tournament games.
- Wait times showed some improvement by Wednesday, with security lines reduced to under two hours as TSA staff efforts continued amid the shutdown.
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