Airline CEOs Press Congress to Resolve Standoff and Fund Security Officers

• Airlines expect 171 million passengers during the spring travel period, up 4% year-over-year, while TSA staffing shortages have created security lines exceeding two hours at airports like Houston Hobby and New Orleans
• More than 300 TSA officers have quit since the February 13 shutdown began, with 50,000 security officers working without pay for 29 days
• Airline CEOs called for legislation ensuring critical aviation personnel are paid during future shutdowns, noting that a previous 43-day shutdown last fall caused widespread flight disruptions

Summary

CEOs of major U.S. airlines are urging Congress to immediately end a 29-day partial government shutdown that has left 50,000 Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officers working without pay. The shutdown, which began February 13 following failed negotiations on immigration enforcement reforms, is causing significant airport delays as the peak spring travel season approaches.

Key Impacts:

• Over 300 TSA officers have quit since the shutdown began
• Security wait times have exceeded two hours at airports including Houston Hobby and New Orleans
• Some airports have closed security checkpoints due to staffing shortages
• Airlines expect record-breaking spring travel with 171 million passengers anticipated, up 4% year-over-year

Companies Involved:

The open letter was signed by executives from American Airlines, United Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Southwest Airlines, JetBlue Airways, Alaska Air, and cargo carriers FedEx, UPS, and Atlas Air.

Political Context:

Democrats are demanding immigration enforcement reforms as a condition for funding the Department of Homeland Security. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy stated Democrats would "come to their senses," while accusing them of prioritizing illegal immigrants over security.

Industry Demands:

Airlines are calling for legislation ensuring critical aviation personnel remain paid during future shutdowns, noting that air travel has become a "political football." This follows a 43-day shutdown last fall that caused widespread flight disruptions and cancellations at major airports.

The situation threatens to severely disrupt the busiest travel period of the year, affecting millions of Americans and potentially causing significant economic impact across the aviation sector.