March 16, 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 others, sent a joint open letter to Congress on March 15, urging an immediate end to the 29-day partial government shutdown of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and permanent pay protections for TSA officers during future shutdowns. The executives highlighted severe staffing shortages among unpaid TSA workers, leading to security lines of 2-4 hours at major airports during peak spring break travel.
The letter, signed by 10 airline leaders, criticized lawmakers amid reports of over 300 TSA agents quitting or calling out sick, doubled absenteeism rates, and thousands of flight delays and cancellations nationwide.
Impacts on TSA Staffing
The partial DHS shutdown, which began around February 13, has left approximately 50,000 TSA officers without paychecks. Some workers have turned to side jobs such as Uber driving or waiting tables, exacerbating staffing shortages, according to social media reports and news coverage.
CNN reported more than 300 TSA agents have quit amid the shutdown, contributing to prolonged wait times at airports including Atlanta, Chicago O’Hare, Houston Hobby and New Orleans.
TSA officers just received $0 paychecks. That is simply unacceptable.
The letter noted:
It’s difficult, if not impossible, to put food on the table, put gas in the car and pay rent when you are not getting paid.
Airport Disruptions and Passenger Volumes
Airlines anticipate a record 171 million passengers this spring, up 4% from last year, coinciding with major events like the FIFA World Cup 2026 and America’s 250th birthday celebrations. However, disruptions have forced airlines to hold flights for late passengers and rebook others.
Fox News coverage quoted the executives describing air travel as a “political football.”
Yet, once again air travel is the political football amid another government shutdown.
Security lines have stretched 2, 3 or even 4 hours, the letter stated, with travelers advised to arrive three hours early.
Calls for Action
The CEOs called for Congress to fund DHS immediately and pass three bipartisan bills: the Aviation Funding Solvency Act, Aviation Funding Stability Act and Keep America Flying Act. These would ensure pay for air traffic controllers, TSA officers and U.S. Customs officers during shutdowns.
Recent polling cited in the letter showed 93% of Americans support paying federal aviation workers during shutdowns, with 88% expecting repeated long lines if TSA remains unpaid.
The letter was released by Airlines for America, representing the industry. Signatories include Robert Isom of American Airlines, Ed Bastian of Delta, Scott Kirby of United and others.
