Travellers across major US airports are facing long security queues, with wait times exceeding three hours. The delays come as the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) continues to operate with limited staff. Read on to know more about the delay and the reason behind it.
Major US Airports Face Security Shortage
According to NDTV, the ongoing funding lapse at the Department of Homeland Security is a major reason for reduced staffing. As per the updates shared by airports facing the problems, passengers travelling right now are advised to arrive far earlier than their departure time to avoid missing flights.
Among major US airports, Houston’s William P. Hobby Airport was hit the hardest, with security lines stretching beyond the terminal checkpoints and into the baggage claim areas. As a result, officials have urged passengers to arrive at least four to five hours before their scheduled departure times.
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Other airports, including New Orleans, Atlanta, and Charlotte, are also impacted, with the security lines stretching to waiting times of up to three hours. Known as the world’s busiest airport, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport also posted an official announcement of extended wait times, citing a shortage of staff.
What Is The Reason Behind The Staffing Shortage?
As per the news portal, the ongoing shortage is due to the federal funding lapse affecting the Department of Homeland Security. Important workers like TSA officers are forced to report to duty without regular pay cheques, leading to a shortage among staff. As a result, airports have been forced to operate with fewer open lanes and shut down TSA PreCheck occasionally.
Not only this, but many frontline officers are dealing with financial stress, adding to staff callouts. As reported by NDTV, officials and union representatives have stated that, due to the spring break travel period, the timings have been challenging as airlines are expecting to carry approximately 3 million passengers on a daily basis.
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What are your thoughts on the current situation in the United States? Let us know in the comments.
Cover Image Courtesy: Pexels/Connor Dannylenko (representative image)
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