Airline CEOs Urge Congress to End Shutdown, Pay TSA Officers

Major U.S. airline CEOs have issued an urgent call to Congress to immediately end the 29-day partial government shutdown that has left 50,000 Transportation Security Administration officers working without pay.

“Airlines Unite: Urgent Call to End Government Shutdown Impacting Air Travel Major U”

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The executives, representing major carriers and cargo companies, warn that the situation threatens to severely disrupt air travel during the critical spring break season.

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The CEOs sent an open letter to congressional leaders emphasizing long checkpoint lines and calling for both immediate funding and long-term legislative solutions.

They stress that air travel has become 'the political football amid another government shutdown' and are concerned about repeated disruptions affecting travelers.

The group includes leaders from American, United, Delta, Southwest, JetBlue, Alaska Air, FedEx, UPS, and Atlas Air.

The shutdown is already causing significant disruptions across major U.S. airports, with travelers facing checkpoint lines exceeding two hours at Houston Hobby and New Orleans.

Newark airport reported higher-than-normal delays over the weekend as TSA absences continue to rise.

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The timing is particularly concerning as airlines expect a record-breaking spring travel period with 171 million passengers expected to fly.

This represents a 4% increase from the same period last year, creating perfect conditions for widespread travel chaos.

Some airports have closed security checkpoints entirely, while others raise money to help TSA workers purchase essentials.

The TSA has reported that more than 300 officers have quit since the shutdown began on February 13.

The economic consequences of extended aviation disruptions could be substantial, with industry observers estimating a nationwide shutdown could drain roughly a billion dollars per week from the broader economy.

This figure encompasses not only airline ticket revenue but also related spending on hotels, restaurants, ground transportation, and other travel services.

During the 43-day government shutdown in 2025, airlines and tourism businesses tallied losses in the billions of dollars as carriers trimmed schedules and suspended routes.

Aviation groups warn that prolonged shutdowns stall critical long-term work including air traffic control modernization and safety inspections.

Each week of lost training time creates backlogs that can take months to clear, keeping the system more fragile even after funding is restored.

The airline executives are drawing on lessons from previous shutdowns, noting that the 2025 funding lapse led to spikes in security officer absences and controller fatigue.

This contributed to increased delays and occasional ground stops at busy airports during that period.

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The CEOs specifically mentioned this precedent, noting that 'once again air travel is the political football amid another government shutdown.'

They are calling for legislation to ensure all critical aviation personnel are paid during future shutdowns.

Senators from both parties failed Thursday in competing efforts to fund the TSA.

The shutdown began February 13 after Congress failed to reach a deal on immigration enforcement reforms.

Industry experts warn the current shutdown could evolve from localized airport headaches into nationwide aviation chaos.

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Under current shutdown rules, most TSA and FAA employees are classified as essential and must continue working without pay.

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This affects more than 50,000 TSA officers along with thousands of FAA personnel facing delayed pay.

Consumer advocates note that travelers can get ticket refunds for government-caused disruptions but must cover their own hotel and meal costs.

Airline CEOs warn that without a funding agreement soon, pressure on the air travel system could intensify sharply during the peak spring season.