March 15, 2026 — Washington, D.C. — CEOs of major U.S. airlines, including Delta, United, American, Southwest, JetBlue and Alaska, published an open letter in The Washington Post urging Congress to end the 29-day partial Department of Homeland Security shutdown, which has left around 50,000 TSA officers unpaid and caused widespread flight delays and long security lines ahead of peak spring break travel.
The letter, representing 10 of the largest U.S. passenger and cargo carriers and coordinated through Airlines for America, called the situation “simply unacceptable,” noting that TSA officers received $0 paychecks on Friday.
That is simply unacceptable. 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.
The executives demanded immediate funding for DHS and support for bipartisan measures to ensure federal aviation workers, including TSA, U.S. Customs officers and air traffic controllers, receive pay during future shutdowns.
Impacts on Air Travel
TSA staffing shortages have led to lines extending onto sidewalks at major airports like Houston Hobby, Austin-Bergstrom and Philadelphia International, exacerbating delays and cancellations. Recent reports indicate over 2,000 flights canceled due to weather and TSA issues. With 171 million passengers expected this spring—a 4% increase—more than 300 TSA workers have resigned, and absences are surging, echoing a 10% flight reduction during the prior 43-day shutdown.
Simple Flying highlighted Major US Airlines CEOs Urge Congress to End DHS Shutdown, noting the plea amid record travel volumes.
Public Support and Broader Coverage
New polling shows 93% of Americans support paying TSA agents during shutdowns. The letter aligns with Major US Airlines CEOs Urge Congress to End DHS Shutdown calls echoed in outlets like Reuters and The Guardian.
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.
Wall Street Journal and Associated Press reported executives pushing for resolution, terming air travel a “political football” per Fortune.
Real-time X discussions, including posts on flight disruptions and stocks like $DAL and $AAL, amplify Major US Airlines CEOs Urge Congress to End DHS Shutdown urgency. For related analysis, see Aeronautics Online sitemap.
The shutdown stems from immigration funding disputes since mid-February, with airlines warning of potential aviation system strain.
