A new federal program that will allow some airports to replace Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officers with private security contractors could eventually expand to other airports, including those in Houston.
While George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) and William P. Hobby Airport (HOU) are not among the first airports selected, the announcement comes just months after travelers at both airports experienced long security lines and delays during a Department of Homeland Security funding lapse.
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The Transportation Security Administration recently unveiled TSA Gold+, an expansion of its existing Screening Partnership Program (SPP). The initiative allows private security companies to perform passenger screening while TSA continues to oversee security standards, training and screening procedures.
Federal officials say the program is designed to improve airport operations and reduce disruptions during future government shutdowns because private contractors continue to be paid through federal contracts.
First airports selected
The first three airports participating in the program are:
- Des Moines International Airport in Iowa (January 2027)
- Charleston International Airport in South Carolina (February 2027)
- Tampa International Airport in Florida (May 2027)
According to the TSA, airports that participate will continue to follow the same federal security requirements as airports staffed by TSA officers.
What it could mean for Houston travelers
Although Houston’s two commercial airports have not been selected for the new program, aviation experts say more airports could consider joining if the initial rollout is successful.
Earlier this year, travelers at both Bush Intercontinental and Hobby dealt with lengthy TSA lines during the federal funding lapse as thousands of TSA officers worked without pay, leading to staffing shortages at airports across the country.
The new TSA Gold+ program is intended, in part, to help airports avoid similar disruptions in the future.
Houston Airport System officials have not announced any plans to pursue the program.
Supporters say using private security contractors could:
- Improve staffing flexibility
- Reduce wait times during government funding lapses
- Allow airports to adopt new screening technology more quickly
However, the American Federation of Government Employees, the union representing TSA officers, opposes the expansion. Union leaders argue outsourcing airport screening could weaken the federal workforce established after the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks and have raised concerns about accountability and transparency.
Currently, about 20 U.S. airports already use private security screeners through the TSA’s Screening Partnership Program while remaining under federal oversight.
For now, travelers flying through Bush Intercontinental and Hobby will continue to be screened by TSA officers, but the federal government says the new program could expand to additional airports in the coming years if it proves successful.