Top Airlines Demand Congress Restore Funding for Homeland Security and Pay Airport Workers

CEOs of major carriers call for bipartisan solution to pay federal aviation workers during government shutdown

Mar. 16, 2026 at 3:18am

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The CEOs of the nation's top airline companies, 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 partial government shutdown.

Why it matters

The airline industry is being significantly impacted by the ongoing government shutdown, with long security lines at airports and hundreds of TSA agents quitting since the start of the shutdown. The CEOs warn that with spring break, the World Cup, and 250th birthday celebrations coming up, the stakes are high for the travel industry.

The details

The letter, signed by the CEOs of major airlines as well as cargo companies UPS, FedEx and Atlas Air, calls on Congress to pass several bills that would guarantee pay for air traffic controllers and TSA officers regardless of the government's funding status. The CEOs say it's "difficult, if not impossible" for these federal workers to make ends meet without paychecks.

  • The current partial government shutdown only affects the Department of Homeland Security, which includes the TSA.
  • This is the third shutdown in less than a year to temporarily leave TSA workers 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.

Department of Homeland Security

The federal agency that includes the Transportation Security Administration (TSA).

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What’s next

Congress is expected to consider the Aviation Funding Solvency Act, the Aviation Funding Stability Act, and the Keep America Flying Act, which would guarantee pay for air traffic controllers and TSA officers during government shutdowns.

The takeaway

The airline industry is calling on Congress to find a bipartisan solution to pay federal aviation workers, including TSA officers, during the ongoing government shutdown, warning that the stakes are high with major travel events on the horizon.