March 15, 2026 — Washington, D.C. — CEOs from major U.S. airlines including American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, Southwest Airlines, JetBlue Airways, Alaska Air Group, and executives from cargo carriers FedEx, UPS and Atlas Air urged Congress in an open letter published via Airlines for America and The Washington Post to end the 29-day partial government shutdown affecting the Department of Homeland Security and ensure pay for unpaid federal aviation workers.
The executives highlighted severe air travel disruptions caused by the shutdown, including TSA security lines exceeding two hours at airports like Houston Hobby and New Orleans, widespread flight delays and cancellations, and more than 300 TSA officers quitting due to unpaid wages amid peak spring break travel.
Disruptions and Impacts
The letter described the situation as “unsustainable,” noting that 50,000 TSA officers had received $0 paychecks and Americans are “tired of long lines at airports, travel delays and flight cancellations caused by shutdown after shutdown.” It specified wait times of 2, 3 and even 4 hours at checkpoints, with airlines holding flights and rebooking passengers to mitigate chaos.
Yet, once again air travel is the political football amid another government shutdown.
The shutdown, stemming from failed negotiations over immigration reforms, has exacerbated issues at major hubs like Newark, where higher-than-normal delays occurred.
Demands for Action
The CEOs called for immediate bipartisan funding of DHS and passage of legislation including the Aviation Funding Solvency Act and Aviation Funding Stability Act to guarantee pay for air traffic controllers, as well as the Keep America Flying Act for TSA and customs officers during future shutdowns.
First, leaders should immediately come together to reach an agreement to fund the Department of Homeland Security. Then they need to act so this problem never happens again.
The letter cited polling by AlphaROC showing 93% of Americans support paying federal aviation workers during shutdowns.
Signatories and Broader Context
Signed by 10 executives, including Robert Isom of American Airlines, Ed Bastian of Delta, Scott Kirby of United and Bob Jordan of Southwest, among others, the missive anticipates record 171 million passengers this spring, plus events like FIFA World Cup 2026.
U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy echoed urgency, stating, “We are going to get through this.”
Recent X posts from figures like Secretary Duffy amplified the call, while coverage noted partisan interpretations blaming Democrats.
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