Top Airlines Demand Congress Act to Pay Airport Workers

CEOs call for bipartisan solution to fund Homeland Security and protect aviation workers during government shutdown

Mar. 16, 2026 at 1:51am

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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 ensure federal aviation workers, including airport security officers, are paid during the ongoing partial government shutdown.

Why it matters

The airline industry is a critical part of the U.S. economy, and disruptions to air travel can have widespread impacts. The CEOs warn that with spring break, the 2026 FIFA World Cup, and America's 250th birthday celebrations coming up, the stakes are high if security lines grow due to unpaid TSA agents.

The details

The letter, also signed by the CEOs of cargo companies UPS, FedEx, and Atlas Air, calls on Congress to pass legislation that would guarantee air traffic controllers and TSA officers are paid regardless of the government's funding status. The current partial shutdown only affects the Department of Homeland Security, which includes the TSA, after Democrats refused to fund the department over concerns about its immigration enforcement tactics.

  • The current partial government shutdown is ongoing.
  • Spring break travel season is in full swing.
  • The 2026 FIFA World Cup is approaching.
  • Celebrations for America's 250th birthday are planned throughout 2026.

The players

American Airlines

One of the largest airline companies in the United States.

Delta Air Lines

One of the largest airline companies in the United States.

Southwest Airlines

One of the largest airline companies in the United States.

JetBlue Airways

One of the largest airline companies in the United States.

UPS

A major cargo delivery company.

FedEx

A major cargo delivery company.

Atlas Air

A major cargo delivery company.

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What’s next

Congress will need to act quickly to pass legislation that restores funding to the Department of Homeland Security and ensures federal aviation workers are paid during the ongoing partial government shutdown.

The takeaway

This situation highlights the critical role the airline industry plays in the U.S. economy and the need for Congress to find bipartisan solutions to protect air travel and the workers who support it, even during political gridlock.