Airline CEOs demand lawmakers act as shutdown leaves TSA employees unpaid

Airline trade leaders blasted lawmakers Sunday over the consequences of the newest authorities shutdown, warning that federal aviation employees are being left unpaid as air journey demand surges. 

In an open letter, airline CEOs mentioned air journey has as soon as once more turn out to be “the political football” in a shutdown combat, urging Congress to instantly fund the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and completely defend key aviation staff from future pay disruptions.

The DHS shutdown, which started Feb. 14, has now stretched on for a month.

The newest revelation comes as conflict within the Middle East drags on, heightening issues over home sleeper cell threats and threatening to additional disrupt international power flows, driving up jet gasoline costs and growing prices for airways.

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“This problem is solvable, and there are solutions on the table. Now it’s up to you, Congress, to move forward on bipartisan proposals that will get federal aviation workers—including TSA officers, U.S. Customs clearance officers at airports and air traffic controllers—paid during shutdowns,” wrote executives from American Airlines, United, Delta, JetBlue, Southwest and Alaska Air Group, in addition to airfreight titans Atlas Air Worldwide, UPS and FedEx.

The group known as on lawmakers to move a number of pending measures, together with the Aviation Funding Solvency Act, the Aviation Funding Stability Act and the Keep America Flying Act, which might make sure that air visitors controllers and TSA officers proceed to be paid whatever the authorities’s funding standing. 

They pointed to the quick toll on frontline employees, noting that TSA officers “just received $0 paychecks” and arguing that it’s “simply unacceptable” for workers accountable for nationwide journey safety to go with out pay.

The letter additionally underscored the broader penalties for vacationers and the financial system. 

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“With spring break travel in full swing, FIFA World Cup 2026 right around the corner and celebrations for America’s 250th birthday throughout the year, the stakes are especially high,” the executives wrote, including that the strain on the aviation system is mounting. 

Airlines predict a file 171 million passengers this spring, they mentioned, however vacationers are already going through checkpoint delays of two, three and even 4 hours. 

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Airlines mentioned they’re making an attempt to cut back the disruption by holding flights for delayed passengers and rebooking others, however warned that Congress should act to maintain the aviation system functioning easily and safely.

“It’s past time for the government to make sure that TSA officers, U.S. Customs clearance officers at airports and air traffic controllers are paid for the job they do.”