Officials with the Sewerage and Water Board of New Orleans announced Monday they are launching an internal review after shockingly learning that recent delays at Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY) were measured in “hours.”
The discovery came after reports that TSA staffing shortages tied to the federal government shutdown created unusually long security lines Sunday, with some travelers waiting up to two hours to pass through screening.
According to SWBNO officials, the timeline immediately raised questions.
“We were surprised to learn delays could be measured in something as small as hours,” said one Sewerage and Water Board spokesperson. “That kind of turnaround is honestly impressive.”
The agency says it plans to send a representative to observe TSA operations at the airport in hopes of understanding how delays are kept within such a narrow timeframe.
Officials say they were further stunned Monday after learning the situation had already begun improving.
“Wait… it got better?” the spokesperson said. “Within the same week? Hold up, one day??”
Airport officials confirmed Monday that security lines had started moving more smoothly after the massive delays Sunday, though travelers are still being advised to arrive three hours before their flights as staffing shortages continue.
Sewerage and Water Board officials say the rapid improvement has only intensified their interest in studying TSA operations.
“At this point we’re mostly trying to understand the concept,” the spokesperson said. “You’re telling us a delay can start, and then later… stop?”
Officials declined to comment on whether the discovery could impact the city’s water main breaks or the board’s recently introduced 10-year timeline for avoiding responsibilities.