Government shutdown impacts Houston airports with limited checkpoints and possible ground stops

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — As the government shutdown enters its 32nd day and the holiday season begins, airport officials in Houston have announced that several checkpoints at Bush Intercontinental will be closed this weekend due to a shortage of TSA workers.

Officials have said only two security checkpoints, in Terminals A and E, are open and are urging travelers to arrive at the airports earlier than planned to make their flights. Officials said check-in times could take up to 30 minutes.

As the government shutdown continues, some airport workers are expected to work without pay. However, experts at ABC told Eyewitness News that workers might not continue showing up for a variety of reasons.

RELATED: Aviation experts warn public to be prepared for ground stops amid government shutdown

ABC experts said that during shutdowns, we can see federal airport workers calling out, as some can no longer afford childcare, or others choose to take on a second job to bring in a paycheck.

TSA agents aren’t the only employees who have been impacted by the shutdown, as air traffic controllers are in the same boat.

The Federal Aviation Administration has said it will restrict the number of planes arriving at and departing from some airports to ensure smaller staff can keep passengers safe.

With fewer planes arriving, the FAA has also warned of ground stops at multiple airports, including Bush and Hobby, starting Saturday after 3 p.m.

In the last few weeks, both Hobby and Bush have experienced multiple ground stops, impacting hundreds of flights and passengers. According to officials, a ground stop occurs when traffic controllers slow incoming and outgoing flights in and out of the Houston area and surrounding cities.

Officials are urging passengers to adjust as needed and be flexible if travel is impacted.