US airports face chaos as unpaid TSA staff cause massive security delays
Long security queues at major US airports have caused chaos for travellers over the weekend. Passengers in Atlanta and Houston faced waits of up to three hours, with some missing flights despite arriving early or holding priority status. The delays stem from a budget standoff that has left TSA officers unpaid since mid-February.
The ongoing dispute between Democrats and Republicans in the Senate has blocked funding for the Department of Homeland Security. Since the partial government shutdown began, over 300 TSA employees have resigned, and sick leave rates have surged. Staff shortages have forced airports to operate with reduced personnel, creating bottlenecks at security checkpoints.
Passengers are now advised to arrive at least two to three hours before domestic flights. Some airports have reported wait times of 160 minutes or more, leading to traffic congestion outside terminals.
In response, President Trump has ordered ICE officers to assist TSA staff starting Monday. These officers will take on non-critical tasks, freeing up TSA employees to speed up passenger clearances. However, it remains unclear how long the deployment will last or whether it will cover all airports or only the most affected ones.
The situation has left many travellers stranded, with no immediate resolution in sight. Until the budget deadlock is resolved, delays and disruptions are likely to continue at US airports. Authorities have urged passengers to check for updates before heading to terminals.
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