Houston travelers warned of delays as FAA considers ground stop amid ongoing shutdown
TOI GLOBAL DESK | TOI GLOBAL NEW | Oct 28, 2025, 19:56 IST
Thousands of US flights delayed as government shutdown strains airports
( Image credit : IANS )
Houston travelers could face major delays Tuesday as the FAA considers a ground stop at Bush Intercontinental and Hobby airports amid the ongoing government shutdown. With air traffic controllers missing their first full paycheck, safety and staffing concerns are rising. Over 3,000 flight delays were reported nationwide, and officials urge passengers to check flight updates and prepare for possible evening disruptions.
Travelers flying out of Houston could face major disruptions Tuesday afternoon, as the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) warns of a possible ground stop for the city’s airports starting after 4 p.m.
The alert comes as the U.S. government shutdown reaches its 28th day, leaving thousands of federal workers without pay. For the first time since the shutdown began, air traffic controllers have missed a full paycheck raising safety and staffing concerns at airports nationwide.
According to FlightAware’s “Misery Map,” more than 3,000 flight delays were reported across the country in the past 24 hours. If Houston’s George Bush Intercontinental (IAH) and Hobby Airport (HOU) experience a ground stop, travelers could see even longer wait times.
A source told CBS News that lawmakers are now discussing smaller funding bills that could help pay air traffic controllers and military personnel while broader negotiations continue.
On X (formerly Twitter) @KHOU 11 News Houston wrote, “The FAA says Houston’s airports could face ground delays after 4 p.m. as air traffic controllers miss their first full paycheck of the government shutdown.”
What You Should Do Before Flying
1. Check your flight status before leaving home.
2. Plan for longer security and boarding lines.
3. Keep an eye on official FAA and airline updates throughout the day.
For now, officials say the situation remains fluid, and travelers are urged to prepare for potential delays into the evening.
The alert comes as the U.S. government shutdown reaches its 28th day, leaving thousands of federal workers without pay. For the first time since the shutdown began, air traffic controllers have missed a full paycheck raising safety and staffing concerns at airports nationwide.
According to FlightAware’s “Misery Map,” more than 3,000 flight delays were reported across the country in the past 24 hours. If Houston’s George Bush Intercontinental (IAH) and Hobby Airport (HOU) experience a ground stop, travelers could see even longer wait times.
A source told CBS News that lawmakers are now discussing smaller funding bills that could help pay air traffic controllers and military personnel while broader negotiations continue.
On X (formerly Twitter) @KHOU 11 News Houston wrote, “The FAA says Houston’s airports could face ground delays after 4 p.m. as air traffic controllers miss their first full paycheck of the government shutdown.”
On X (formerly Twitter) @KHOU 11 News Houston wrote
What You Should Do Before Flying
1. Check your flight status before leaving home.
2. Plan for longer security and boarding lines.
3. Keep an eye on official FAA and airline updates throughout the day.
For now, officials say the situation remains fluid, and travelers are urged to prepare for potential delays into the evening.