A partial government shutdown is causing significant disruptions at airports across the country as Transportation Security Administration officer absences soar and employee worked without pay, forcing travelers to wait hours in lines for security screening.
Absences among TSA workers reached their highest over the weekend since the partial shutdown began five weeks ago, according to the Department of Homeland Security. The agency said more than a third of TSA staff at airports in Houston, New York City and Atlanta were absent or called in sick.
As a result, airports around the country have seen TSA lines and wait times balloon, and travelers forced to stand in long queues, some of which have stretched outside terminals.
Several airports, including major hubs like Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International and New York's John F. Kennedy, are encouraging travelers to arrive at least several hours before their flights to ensure they have enough time to get through security.
'I'm just going to sit this one out': ICE agents deployed at US airports amid partial shutdown
