March 15, 2026 — Washington, D.C. The CEOs of major U.S. airlines called on Congress to immediately fund the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and pass legislation ensuring pay for Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officers working unpaid during a partial government shutdown now in its 29th day.
The shutdown began when DHS funding lapsed on February 13, 2026, due to congressional disagreements over immigration enforcement reforms. Efforts by senators from both parties to fund the TSA failed on Thursday, according to aggregated reports. Approximately 50,000 TSA officers have worked without pay, with about 60,000 employees receiving zero-dollar paychecks on Friday, March 14.
The airline executives warned of further disruptions to U.S. air travel, especially with 171 million passengers expected during the spring travel season. More than 300 TSA officers have quit since the shutdown started, exacerbating staffing shortages nationwide.
Impacts on Airport Operations
Long security lines exceeding two hours have plagued major airports, including Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport in Florida, Philadelphia International Airport, and Pittsburgh facilities. Some airports have closed checkpoints and initiated fundraising efforts to support unpaid officers. Spring break travelers faced hours-long waits, flight delays, and crowded terminals over the weekend.
Eric Napoli advised passengers to arrive early and know their rights, including eligibility for full refunds on delayed flights.
Background on the Standoff
The partial shutdown, entering its second month, stems from failed negotiations on immigration policy. TSA employees continue operations despite financial strain, leading to operational challenges during peak travel periods. Coverage of the story draws from 17 sources, including Reuters, with a bias distribution leaning center (54%) and right (38%).
Related topics include U.S. politics and airlines such as Delta, United, Southwest, JetBlue, and Alaska Airlines.