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Airports Prepare for Heavy Weekend Travel Amid Ongoing TSA Staffing Crisis

KVIA•Thursday, March 26, 2026 at 4:27 AM•CNN

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AI Summary

Major airports across the U.S., including those in Houston, are gearing up for a surge in travelers this weekend as spring break travel peaks. The ongoing partial government shutdown has led to significant TSA officer shortages, resulting in unprecedented security wait times. With Congress failing to reach a funding agreement for the Department of Homeland Security, airports are struggling to manage crowds, forcing them to redirect employees from other departments and request travelers to arrive earlier. The situation has prompted the deployment of Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents to assist with crowd control, though their impact on wait times remains uncertain. Travelers should anticipate delays and plan accordingly.

Key Details: • Travelers are advised to arrive at airports several hours early due to expected long wait times. • Houston's George Bush Intercontinental Airport is operating with only 50% of its TSA checkpoints. • ICE agents are assisting at 14 airports but are not performing security screenings. • Congress is set to leave for a two-week recess, increasing urgency for a funding deal.

ice travel airport tsa government-shutdown

People & Organizations

Immigration and Customs EnforcementDepartment of Homeland SecurityHoustonTransportation Security AdministrationKaroline LeavittTom HomanJohn F. Kennedy International AirportHartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International AirportGeorge Bush Intercontinental AirportJim SzczesniakTatiana Finlay

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