Airlines slam the use of air travel as a political football and demand Congress pass key acts to protect airports and the skies

The CEOs from major airline carriers like American, Delta, Southwest, and JetBlue, alongside cargo giants UPS, FedEx, and Atlas Air, have collectively implored Congress to restore funding for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and find a bipartisan solution to ensure federal aviation workers are paid during the ongoing partial government shutdown.

These executives voiced their frustration in an open letter stating, “Once again, air travel is the political football amid another government shutdown.” This sentiment comes as the current partial shutdown specifically impacts the DHS, which oversees the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). 

This marks the third shutdown in less than a year that has left TSA workers temporarily without pay, only to wait for back pay once operations resume. It has led to growing concerns and longer security lines at airports across the U.S. As the letter states, “It’s difficult, if not impossible, to put food on the table, put gas in the car, and pay rent when you are not getting paid.” 

This is a fixable problem

To prevent this from happening again, the airline leaders are pushing for Congress to pass several key pieces of legislation. They want to see the Aviation Funding Solvency Act and the Aviation Funding Stability Act enacted, which would guarantee air traffic controllers receive their pay regardless of the government’s funding status. 

Additionally, they’re advocating for the Keep America Flying Act, a measure designed to extend these same protections to TSA officers who are tasked with providing security and screening every single traveler. This would be a huge step towards stability for these essential workers.

The shutdown itself stems from Democratic lawmakers’ refusal to fund the Department of Homeland Security. Their objections are centered on immigration enforcement tactics, with a call for new restrictions on federal immigration operations following the fatal shootings of Alex Pretti and Renee Good.

The stakes are incredibly high right now, especially with spring break in full swing and massive upcoming events like the FIFA World Cup 2026. U.S. airlines are expecting a staggering 171 million passengers this spring season alone.

DHS has been vocal about the situation, posting on its X account last week that more than 300 TSA agents have quit since the start of the shutdown. However, it has to be noted that many Democrats have been pushing to partially fund DHS to cover every other agency, except immigration agencies. Not only has this not been affected, but DHS has also been attempting to cut TSA services to increase pressure for funding without changes.