Airline CEOs Demand Congress Protect TSA Workers During Shutdowns

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The CEOs of major US airlines, including Delta, United, and Southwest, have issued an open letter calling on Congress to pass legislation that would protect TSA officers, customs clearance officers, and air traffic controllers from going unpaid during government shutdowns. The executives stated that it is "simply unacceptable" for these federal aviation workers to receive $0 paychecks, making it "difficult, if not impossible, to put food on the table, put gas in the car and pay rent when you are not getting paid."

Why it matters

The partial government shutdown has led to long security lines and travel delays at airports across the country as unpaid TSA workers have not shown up for their shifts. Airports have started asking the public to donate gift cards and essential items to support these aviation workers who continue to work without pay, highlighting the real-world impacts of the political impasse.

The details

In the open letter, the airline executives urged Congress to pass legislation such as the Aviation Funding Solvency Act, the Aviation Funding Stability Act, and the Keep America Flying Act, which would ensure federal aviation workers are paid during future government shutdowns. The letter was signed by members of the "Airlines for America" trade group, including the CEOs of major US airlines as well as courier companies like FedEx and UPS.

• The partial government shutdown has been ongoing since February 2026.

What they’re saying

What’s next

Congress is expected to consider legislation such as the Aviation Funding Solvency Act, the Aviation Funding Stability Act, and the Keep America Flying Act, which would protect federal aviation workers from going unpaid during future government shutdowns.