March 16, 2026 — Washington, D.C. — US Airline CEOs Urge Congress to End Partial Government Shutdown Impacting TSA Operations, as chief executives from 10 major U.S. airlines and aviation companies sent an open letter to congressional leaders on March 15 demanding an immediate end to the 29-day partial Department of Homeland Security shutdown, which has left approximately 50,000 TSA officers, customs agents and air traffic controllers working without pay.
The letter, signed by leaders including Robert Isom of American Airlines, Ed Bastian of Delta Air Lines, Scott Kirby of United Airlines, Bob Jordan of Southwest Airlines, Joanna Geraghty of JetBlue Airways, Ben Minicucci of Alaska Air Group, and executives from FedEx, UPS and Atlas Air, highlights severe staffing shortages, with more than 300 TSA officers resigning since the shutdown began on February 13.
Impacts on Airport Security
Long security lines have plagued major U.S. airports, including Houston Hobby, New Orleans, Newark, Atlanta and Chicago O’Hare, with waits exceeding two hours and spilling into baggage claim areas, according to The Guardian. TSA officers have received $0 paychecks, exacerbating absenteeism and morale issues.
“TSA officers just received $0 paychecks. That is simply unacceptable.”
The executives noted that air travel has become a “political football” amid the shutdown.
Spring Break Travel Chaos
US Airline CEOs Urge Congress to End Partial Government Shutdown Impacting TSA Operations ahead of a record spring travel season expecting 171 million passengers, up 4% from last year, per the letter and Bloomberg. Disruptions risk escalating with upcoming events like FIFA World Cup 2026 preparations and America’s 250th birthday celebrations.
Key Demands in the Letter
The CEOs called for Congress to restore DHS funding immediately and enact bipartisan legislation to ensure pay for aviation workers 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.”
Specific bills urged include the Aviation Funding Solvency Act, Aviation Funding Stability Act for air traffic controllers, and Keep America Flying Act for TSA officers. The letter cites polling showing 93% public support for paying federal aviation workers during shutdowns and 88% expecting repeated long lines otherwise.
“Americans — who live in your districts and home states — are tired of long lines at airports, travel delays and flight cancellations caused by shutdown after shutdown.”
This marks the third shutdown in less than a year affecting TSA pay, following a 43-day lapse last fall that led to flight cuts.
Broader Context
Airports have initiated food drives for unpaid staff, while USA Today and other outlets report hours-long waits. US Airline CEOs Urge Congress to End Partial Government Shutdown Impacting TSA Operations reflects unified industry pressure, with Simple Flying noting strains at over 400 airports.
