- The FAA has warned of a potential ground stop at Houston’s George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) for Thursday at 11 a.m.
- The disruption is a direct result of staffing shortages caused by the ongoing government shutdown, which previously caused a ground stop at Hobby Airport.
- TSA wait times remain unpredictable, with reports of waits as long as 55 minutes in Terminal E at Bush Airport.
- Officials are urging travelers to check their flight status before heading to the airport and to allow significant extra time for security screening.
FAA Issues Ground Stop Warning for Houston’s Bush Airport
HOUSTON — Travelers flying out of George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) are on high alert after the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced a possible ground stop for 11 a.m. Thursday. The potential halt in air traffic comes as staffing shortages, a consequence of the ongoing government shutdown, continue to strain the nation’s aviation system.
This warning follows significant disruptions earlier in the week at Houston’s William P. Hobby Airport (HOU), which experienced a ground stop on Tuesday for the same reason. The stoppage at Hobby lasted until 6 p.m., with residual delays continuing until 9 p.m., causing an average departure delay of 47 minutes.
TSA Wait Times Fluctuate Amid Crisis
While Houston Airports reported that security lines were moving faster on Thursday morning compared to the weekend, the situation remains volatile. The unpredictability is a major concern for passengers, with wait times varying drastically between terminals.
Current Average TSA Wait Times:
- 55 minutes at Bush Intercontinental (Terminal E)
- 10 minutes at Bush Intercontinental (Terminal A)
- 9 minutes at Hobby Airport
Officials attribute the temporary improvements to lighter passenger traffic but caution that conditions could deteriorate rapidly. “We’re grateful for our TSA partners who continue to show incredible professionalism under difficult circumstances,” said Jim Szczesniak, director of aviation for Houston Airports. “We’re working together, shift by shift, to keep passengers moving safely and efficiently during this federal government shutdown. We thank travelers for their patience as the situation continues to evolve.”
How to Avoid Extra Delays at Security
To help expedite the screening process, airport security officials are reminding passengers to be mindful of items that frequently cause delays at checkpoints. Travelers are advised to pack smart and be prepared to remove the following items:
- Scarves or masks that cover the face
- Belts with large metal buckles
- Chunky jewelry and watches
- Cordless hair tools and lithium batteries
- Any liquids, aerosols, or gels in containers larger than 3.4 ounces
Check Before You Go
With the possibility of a ground stop looming, all passengers scheduled to fly from Bush Intercontinental are strongly encouraged to monitor their flight status closely before leaving for the airport. Allowing extra time to navigate potentially long security lines is also highly recommended.
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