Bush Airport's Security Lines: A Nightmare for Travelers

0:00It's March 26th. You're listening to Global News Today, AI-powered coverage from around the world. I'm Corey with the story. Houston's George Bush Interconcentral Airport has turned into the biggest headache for air travelers during the partial government shutdown. With transportation security administration workers going unpaid, many are calling out sick, leading to massive security lines that have stretched up to four hours at this busy spot. It's the worst hit in the country, far outpacing troubles at other airports nationwide. The numbers tell the story clearly. On Tuesday, nearly 40% of TSA staff at Bush skipped shifts compared to just 11% nationally. Over a Houston's hobby airport, it was even higher at 43%. As a major hub for United Airlines, Bush handles over 48 million passengers a year, mostly from that carrier, which amps up the pressure when. Americans drop from 37 to just a third or half. Travelers are fed up after waiting hours in line, but airport leaders pointed tough economics

1:01hitting TSA felt hard, especially after last years. Shut down and rising costs for basics like food and gas. Officials worry things could worsen nationwide until Congress acts, since full pay means full staffing and no backups. Busy March events like spring break, the World Base ball classic, a huge energy conference, the livestock shell and rodeo, plus NCAA suite 16 games. Have packed the city, yet tourism is booming with record hotel bookings. Lines ease that Wednesday to under two hours, showing some relief as workers push through, and Houston's visitor numbers keep climbing despite the chaos.