March 15, 2026 — Washington, D.C. — CEOs from 10 major U.S. airlines and aviation groups, including American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, Southwest Airlines, JetBlue, Alaska Air Group, Airlines for America, UPS, FedEx Airlines and Atlas Air, published an open letter in The Washington Post urging Congress to end the 29-day partial government shutdown of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The executives called for immediate funding and bipartisan legislation to ensure pay for TSA officers, U.S. Customs officers and air traffic controllers during shutdowns.
The letter, signed by leaders such as American Airlines CEO Robert Isom, Delta CEO Ed Bastian, United CEO Scott Kirby and Southwest President Bob Jordan, highlighted severe disruptions from unpaid TSA workers. It cited polls showing 93% public support for paying federal aviation workers during shutdowns and 88% concern over repeated long lines if the issue persists. U.S. airlines anticipate a record 171 million passengers this spring break season.
TSA officers just received $0 paychecks. That is simply unacceptable.
The CEOs described wait times of 2, 3 and even 4 hours at security checkpoints, exacerbated by the shutdown that began around February 14. They urged passage of the Aviation Funding Solvency Act, Aviation Funding Stability Act and Keep America Flying Act to protect aviation workers.
Widespread Airport Disruptions
Approximately 50,000 TSA screeners have gone unpaid, leading to doubled callouts, over 300 resignations and chaos at major airports. BBC News reported lines exceeding 100 minutes at Austin and Atlanta, compounded by weather and peak travel. CBS News confirmed absences have doubled nationwide.
TSA has rolled out videos at airports warning of delays due to the shutdown, with some attributing it to Democrats refusing funding without conditions, though certain airports like Portland rejected them, per ABC News. Unpaid workers are taking second jobs such as Uber driving, contributing to staffing shortages, according to The New York Times.
Broader Calls and Coverage
The letter described air travel as a “political football” amid repeated shutdowns, calling for DHS funding as a first step. Coverage from AP News, USA Today and Fox News echoed the urgency ahead of events like the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Airlines for America shared the letter on X, emphasizing the need for action to maintain a secure National Airspace System.
