Airline CEOs Urge Congress to End Shutdown, Pay Airport Security Officers

Absences by TSA officers have already disrupted travel at major airports, raising alarm as the busy spring break season continues.

Mar. 15, 2026 at 9:33pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The chief executive officers of major U.S. airlines have urged Congress to quickly end the 29-day partial government shutdown that has forced 50,000 airport security officers to work without pay, warning it could further disrupt air travel. Absences by Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officers have already disrupted travel at some major airports over the last week, raising concerns as the busy spring break travel season continues.

Why it matters

The ongoing government shutdown has led to widespread flight disruptions and delays as TSA officers have been forced to work without pay, impacting the travel plans of millions of Americans. This comes at a critical time as the airline industry is expecting record-breaking spring travel numbers, underscoring the need for a swift resolution to the political standoff.

The details

In an open letter to Congress, the CEOs of major U.S. airlines, including American, United, Delta, Southwest, JetBlue, and Alaska Air, as well as cargo carriers FedEx, UPS, and Atlas Air, urged lawmakers to immediately reach an agreement to fund the Department of Homeland Security. They also called for legislation to ensure critical government aviation personnel are paid during future government shutdowns. Last week, some airports like Houston Hobby and New Orleans reported security lines exceeding two hours as TSA absences rose, while Newark reported higher-than-normal delays on Saturday.

  • The partial government shutdown has lasted 29 days as of March 15, 2026.
  • Last fall, a 43-day government shutdown led to widespread flight disruptions and the FAA ordered a 10% flight cut at major airports.

The players

Transportation Security Administration (TSA)

The federal agency responsible for airport security screening, which has had over 300 officers quit since the shutdown began.

U.S. Department of Homeland Security

The federal department that oversees the TSA, whose funding lapsed on February 13 after Congress failed to reach a deal on immigration enforcement reforms.

U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy

The U.S. Transportation Secretary who expressed hope that Democrats will come to their senses and put security before immigration concerns.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.