The Digester
general

Nearly 40% TSA callout at Houston airport triggers multi-hour security lines

Pay disruptions during the government shutdown have led many TSA officers at Houston airports to miss shifts, cutting checkpoint staffing and producing prolonged security lines at one of the nation s busiest hubs.

Mar 26th 2026 · United States

Insights

  • Bush Intercontinental had about a 40% TSA callout rate while Hobby reached 43% on the same day, versus 11% nationally.
  • Officials warned of up to four hour waits as far fewer TSA lanes were staffed than normal.
  • IAH normally operates 37 checkpoint lanes but is running only about one third to one half of lanes now.
  • Bush Intercontinental handled 48.4 million passengers in 2024, including 34.8 million on United Airlines.
  • TSA workers cite unpaid pay during the government shutdown, ongoing financial strain, and no recent hires as reasons for high callouts.
  • March passenger volumes were elevated by spring travel and events such as the World Baseball Classic, CERAWeek, the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, and NCAA games.
  • Wait times improved to under two hours the following day as more staff returned and operations adjusted.

Sources