economy
March 15, 2026
Airline CEOs urge Congress to end shutdown and pay airport TSA officers
Nearly month-long funding lapse has disrupted US air travel and caused long wait times amid security officers’ absences
TL;DR
- Airline CEOs warned that the ongoing partial government shutdown is severely disrupting US air travel.
- TSA officers are working without pay, leading to increased absences and long security lines at airports.
- Airlines are concerned about further disruptions as the spring break travel season continues.
- CEOs are urging Congress to immediately fund the Department of Homeland Security and prevent future shutdowns from impacting aviation personnel.
- Legislation is sought to ensure critical government aviation personnel are paid during government shutdowns.
- Over 300 TSA officers have quit since the shutdown began, with funding for the department having lapsed on February 13.
- Some airports are experiencing security lines exceeding two hours, and some checkpoints have been closed.
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