Airline CEOs have called on Congress to immediately restore funding to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) as the ongoing government shutdown leaves TSA workers and other federal aviation employees unpaid. The shutdown, beginning February 14, has stretched into its second month, disrupting security operations amid rising air travel demand.
In an open letter, leaders from major carriers including American Airlines, United, Delta, JetBlue, Southwest, Alaska Air Group, as well as cargo operators Atlas Air Worldwide, UPS, and FedEx, described air travel as a “political football” in the funding dispute. They urged bipartisan passage of legislative measures such as the Aviation Funding Solvency Act, Aviation Funding Stability Act, and Keep America Flying Act to guarantee pay continuity for TSA officers, air traffic controllers, and customs officials during funding lapses.
The CEOs emphasized the immediate impact on frontline workers, noting that TSA agents received their first unpaid paycheck this month. They called this outcome “simply unacceptable” given the critical role these employees play in national travel security.
Security Delays Surge Amid Rising Travel Volume
Airports across the United States have reported significantly longer wait times at security checkpoints, with some travelers facing delays of two to four hours. The disruption coincides with a surge in passenger volume, as airlines expect a record 171 million travelers this spring. Key events such as the FIFA World Cup 2026 and America’s 250th anniversary celebrations are increasing pressure on the aviation system.
Congress Faces Increasing Pressure Ahead of Peak Travel
The letter highlights the broader economic and operational consequences of the shutdown, cautioning that unresolved funding issues threaten to further destabilize the aviation sector. Airlines have attempted to mitigate delays by holding flights for delayed passengers and rebooking others, yet they warn these stopgap measures are insufficient without Congressional action.
With heightened concerns over potential security threats and rising jet fuel prices linked to ongoing Middle East conflicts, the airline industry frames the funding stalemate as a pressing national security and economic issue. The CEOs concluded by urging Congress to swiftly adopt pending bipartisan proposals to secure aviation worker pay and stabilize the air travel system.
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