US: Houston Airport (IAH) closes security checkpoint January 13-14 /update 2

Event

Officials closed the security checkpoint at Houston's George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) Terminal B beginning 15:30 (local time) on Sunday, January 13, due to Transportation Security Administration (TSA) staffing shortages. The terminal checkpoint remained closed the morning of Monday, January 14. Flights using Terminal B were operating normally and airport officials advised travelers to proceed through security checkpoints at Terminals C and E and walk or take the Skyway tram to Terminal B. The closure was attributed to an increase in absentee TSA workers, who oversee passenger and baggage screening, due to the federal government shutdown. Crowded conditions are expected at IAH for the duration of the checkpoint closure. Further such disruptions are possible at other airports in the coming days and weeks.

Continued absences are expected to continue at this and other airports in the coming days or weeks if the shutdown is not resolved. Delays and congestion are possible at airport security checkpoints.

Context

The US federal government is partially shut down due to a failure to pass a budget resolution. Approximately 55,000 TSA employees are the federal employee expected to continue to work without pay during the shutdown.

Miami International Airport (MIA) similarly closed a terminal checkpoint beginning Saturday, January 12, though it was operating normally as of Monday.

Advice

Individuals traveling via IAH, and by plane in the US more generally, in the coming days and weeks are advised to monitor the situation and anticipate delays and crowded conditions at airport security checkpoints.