US airline CEOs urge Congress to end shutdown and pay airport workers

March 16, 2026

Major US airline CEOs have called on Congress to resolve a government shutdown affecting the Department of Homeland Security, which has been without funding since February due to disagreements over immigration reform provisions. The funding lapse has left TSA security workers unpaid despite being required to continue working, leading to over 300 resignations and doubled absence rates that have caused significant airport delays nationwide. Democrats are demanding restrictions on Immigration and Customs Enforcement, including rules on face masks and warrant procedures, following the deaths of two protesters killed by federal agents during immigration raids.

Who is affected

TSA (Transportation Security Administration) workers who are working without pay
Air travelers experiencing extended wait times and delays at airports nationwide
Major airlines including American Airlines, Delta, Southwest, and JetBlue
DHS (Department of Homeland Security) employees
Airport workers at facilities including Austin-Bergstrom International, Fort Lauderdale International, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International, Denver International, Seattle-Tacoma International, and Harry Reid International airports
AFGE (American Federation of Government Employees) 1047 union members representing 13 airports in Louisiana and Mississippi
Alex Pretti and Renee Good, two Minneapolis residents killed by federal agents

What action is being taken

Airline CEOs are writing letters to Congress demanding DHS funding restoration
TSA workers are continuing to work despite not receiving pay
More than 300 TSA employees have quit
Airports in Denver, Seattle-Tacoma, and Las Vegas are asking travelers to donate items or gift cards to unpaid TSA employees
Austin-Bergstrom International Airport is instructing travelers to arrive 2.5 hours early for domestic flights
Democrats are refusing to pass DHS funding without immigration reform conditions
President Trump is urging TSA agents to continue working

Why it matters

This shutdown directly impacts national security and transportation infrastructure by creating staffing shortages at a critical security checkpoint in the aviation system. The situation demonstrates how political disagreements can have immediate consequences for essential workers and the traveling public, with TSA employees forced to work without compensation while resignation and absence rates climb. The dispute also highlights broader tensions over immigration enforcement practices and accountability following the deaths of protesters, making airport security workers collateral damage in a larger political standoff that could worsen travel disruptions during peak periods like spring break.

What's next

Leaders need to immediately come together to reach a funding agreement for the Department of Homeland Security (according to the airline CEOs' letter)
Congress needs to act to prevent this problem from happening again
Airline CEOs are pushing for legislation guaranteeing air traffic controllers are paid regardless of government funding changes
TSA workers may receive back pay or compensation once the shutdown ends

Read full article from source: BBC