Passengers traveling through George Bush Intercontinental Airport are facing extended security wait times this week, with some reporting delays of more than four hours as staffing challenges impact screening operations.

United Airlines now offers all customers flying out of George Bush Intercontinental Airport the opportunity to reschedule their flight for free.

Bush Intercontinental Airport, where outbound travelers have faced wait times up to four hours at security checkpoints this week, has seen some of the highest call-out rates in the country for TSA employees who are working without pay during a partial government shutdown.

Increasingly agitated travelers are sacrificing countless hours and missing milestone events as a partial government shutdown spills into its 40th day and the country loses hundreds of airport security employees.

According to airline officials, a passenger's battery began smoking on the plane set for Bush Intercontinental Airport, prompting officials to divert the plane to San Antonio as a precaution.

The Trump administration sent ICE agents to airports in Houston and across the U.S. on Monday to assist TSA workers, many of whom are calling out sick amid a partial government shutdown that began in mid-February.

Security checkpoints at George Bush Intercontinental Airport saw increased wait times Thursday as the partial federal government shutdown reached its 33rd day. With the funding lapse affecting Department of Homeland Security budgets,

Another day of long lines at Houston airports brought fewer headaches Wednesday, though travelers were still feeling the effects of earlier disruptions.

Add Yahoo as a preferred source to see more of our stories on Google. Houston's Bush Airport announced a new airline and route coming to IAH Airport in 2026. (Bob Lord/Getty Images) Houston is getting a new airline-and its first nonstop flight to Rome.

Facing huge airport security lines due to TSA staffing shortages? Learn which airlines like Delta and United are waiving fees and check current wait times before you travel.