Security lines at major U.S. airports stretched to three hours or longer on Sunday, as absences among Transportation Security Administration screeners surged during a partial government shutdown affecting the Department of Homeland Security. Travelers at Houston's William P. Hobby Airport faced average waits of three and a half hours at peak times, with lines still reaching three hours by evening. At Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport, queues snaked through the terminal and into a nearby parking garage, prompting officials to advise arriving three hours early.

The disruptions coincided with the start of spring break travel, expected to see 171 million passengers nationwide, a 4% increase from last year. Other affected airports included Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International, Charlotte Douglas International, and George Bush Intercontinental in Houston, where lines extended outside terminals. The Department of Homeland Security reported that travelers missed flights amid the chaos, with lines nearing three hours at some checkpoints.

About 50,000 TSA screeners have been working without pay since funding for DHS lapsed on February 14, marking the second shutdown of 2026. The first, from January 31 to February 3, briefly halted operations across multiple agencies before Congress approved a short-term deal. This ongoing lapse stems from a congressional impasse over DHS funding, with Democrats conditioning approval on immigration enforcement reforms following the January killing of Alex Pretti by Customs and Border Protection agents.

TSA workers received partial pay on February 28 and face their first full zero paycheck around March 13 or 14, potentially worsening absences. Officials at New Orleans airport noted on social media that the shortage caused longer-than-average lines, while Houston's Hobby urged passengers to arrive four to five hours early.

Airlines for America CEO Chris Sununu called on Congress and the administration to act urgently, stating the transportation security workforce should not serve as political leverage. U.S. Travel Association CEO Geoff Freeman described it as unacceptable for TSA workers to go unpaid amid peak travel. A DHS spokesperson blamed Democrats, saying the chaos resulted from their refusal to fund the department.

The standoff follows a 43-day shutdown in late 2025, which saw over 1,100 TSA officers depart, a 25% increase from the prior year. Airport executives and carriers warn of continued risks through the week, as spring travel intensifies.