Airline CEOs torch lawmakers for turning air travel into a ‘political football’
'This problem is solvable, and there are solutions on the table. Now it’s up to you, Congress, to move forward on bipartisan proposals'
By Amanda Macias Fox News
Published March 15, 2026 11:49am EDT
Airline industry leaders blasted lawmakers Sunday over the effects of the latest government shutdown, warning that federal aviation workers are being left unpaid as air travel demand surges.
In an open letter, airline CEOs said air travel has once again become "the political football" in a shutdown fight, urging Congress to immediately fund the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and permanently protect key aviation employees from future pay disruptions.
The DHS shutdown, which began Feb. 14, has now stretched on for a month.
The latest revelation comes as war in the Middle East drags on, heightening concerns over domestic sleeper cell threats and threatening to further disrupt global energy flows, driving up jet fuel prices and increasing costs for airlines.
"This problem is solvable, and there are solutions on the table. Now it’s up to you, Congress, to move forward on bipartisan proposals that will get federal aviation workers—including TSA officers, U.S. Customs clearance officers at airports and air traffic controllers—paid during shutdowns," wrote executives from American Airlines, United, Delta, JetBlue, Southwest and Alaska Air Group, as well as airfreight titans Atlas Air Worldwide, UPS and FedEx.
The group called on lawmakers to pass several pending measures, including the Aviation Funding Solvency Act, the Aviation Funding Stability Act and the Keep America Flying Act, which would ensure that air traffic controllers and TSA officers continue to be paid regardless of the government’s funding status.
They pointed to the immediate toll on frontline workers, noting that TSA officers "just received $0 paychecks" and arguing that it is "simply unacceptable" for employees responsible for national travel security to go without pay.
The letter also underscored the broader consequences for travelers and the economy.
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