Numerous airports across the United States have fallen into a state of congestion lasting several hours during the Spring Break season, as the aviation security system faces staffing shortages due to disruptions at the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). At Philadelphia International Airport and George Bush Intercontinental Airport, passengers have been queuing in long lines since early morning at security checkpoints. Multiple videos show crowds extending through stairways and corridors due to the chaos at US airports, which has brought security screenings to a crawl. Data from flight tracking systems show over 1,200 flights were delayed as of the morning of March 19, amid many flights being canceled across the US due to staffing pressures, causing wait times to skyrocket at several major airports. ⚠️ RISK OF EXPANSION Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy warned that the situation could escalate in the coming days. If the disruption persists, many small-scale airports may potentially have to suspend operations due to the severe shortage of TSA officers, as they lack sufficient personnel to ensure security according to federal regulations. 📉 THE CAUSE Approximately 50,000 aviation security employees are being affected by payment delays, partly stemming from a temporary DHS budget freeze, leading to a high rate of absenteeism. Figures show that about 10% of personnel are absent daily, much higher than the usual rate. At some major airports like New York and Houston, this rate has previously reached 30%. 📊 RISING TRAVEL PRESSURE The congestion has appeared exactly during the peak Spring Break travel period, while major holidays like Easter and Passover are approaching. Officials stated that if the workforce is not stabilized soon, the situation of delays and overcrowding at airports will continue to persist.

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