Airline CEOs Demand Congress Restore Funding for Homeland Security and Pay Airport Workers

Top airline executives call for bipartisan solutions to address government shutdown's impact on air travel

Mar. 16, 2026 at 3:25pm

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The CEOs of major U.S. airlines, including American, Delta, Southwest, and JetBlue, have written an open letter to Congress urging them to restore funding to the Department of Homeland Security and find a bipartisan solution to pay federal aviation workers, including airport security officers, during the ongoing partial government shutdown.

Why it matters

The government shutdown has left TSA workers without pay, causing long security lines at airports across the country during the busy spring travel season. Airline executives warn that the situation could worsen if Congress does not act, potentially disrupting air travel for millions of passengers.

The details

In the letter, the airline CEOs called on Congress to pass the Aviation Funding Solvency Act, the Aviation Funding Stability Act, and the Keep America Flying Act. These measures would guarantee pay for air traffic controllers and TSA officers, even during government shutdowns. The executives noted that with spring break, the 2026 FIFA World Cup, and the 250th birthday celebrations for America coming up, the stakes are high, as U.S. airlines expect 171 million passengers this spring season.

  • The current partial government shutdown affects only the Department of Homeland Security, which includes the TSA.
  • The lapse in funding marks the third shutdown in less than a year to leave TSA workers temporarily without pay.

The players

American Airlines

One of the major U.S. airline companies whose CEO signed the open letter to Congress.

Delta Air Lines

One of the major U.S. airline companies whose CEO signed the open letter to Congress.

Southwest Airlines

One of the major U.S. airline companies whose CEO signed the open letter to Congress.

JetBlue Airways

One of the major U.S. airline companies whose CEO signed the open letter to Congress.

U.S. Congress

The legislative body that the airline CEOs are calling on to restore funding to the Department of Homeland Security and find a solution to pay federal aviation workers during the government shutdown.

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What’s next

Congress will need to act quickly to pass the proposed legislation and restore funding to the Department of Homeland Security in order to avoid further disruptions to air travel during the busy spring season.

The takeaway

This situation highlights the broader impact of political gridlock on critical infrastructure and services, underscoring the need for bipartisan solutions to address the challenges facing the aviation industry and its workers during government shutdowns.