Mr_Rajkamal US Airline CEOs Urge Congress to End Government Shutdown as Airport Delays Grow
Washington: Chief executives of major US airlines have urged Congress to immediately end the ongoing government shutdown, warning that the crisis could cause major delays for travellers and serious financial hardship for airport workers.
Leaders from American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Southwest Airlines and JetBlue sent a joint letter to lawmakers demanding that funding be restored to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), which oversees airport security through the Transportation Security Administration (TSA).
The US government shutdown has continued since February after lawmakers failed to reach a funding agreement for the department.
Airport Workers Working Without Pay
The shutdown has left thousands of TSA airport security officers working without pay, even though they are classified as essential workers and must continue reporting to duty.
The airline CEOs said the situation has placed severe pressure on employees who are struggling to manage basic living expenses.
“It is difficult, if not impossible, for TSA workers to put food on the table, pay rent or even put gas in the car without receiving their salaries,” the CEOs wrote in their letter to Congress.
TSA employees missed their first full paycheck last week, although they could receive compensation or back pay once the shutdown ends.
Staff Shortages Begin to Disrupt Air Travel
The crisis has already begun to affect airport operations across the United States.
According to the Department of Homeland Security, more than 300 TSA employees have already resigned since the shutdown began.
Call-out rates among airport security staff have also doubled, creating staffing shortages that are slowing down security checkpoints.
These shortages, combined with severe weather and the busy spring break travel season, have caused significant delays at several major airports.
Long Security Lines Reported Across Major Airports
Travellers across the country have already reported long waiting times at airport security checkpoints.
- Austin-Bergstrom International Airport reported wait times exceeding 100 minutes
- Passengers in Fort Lauderdale and Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson Airport faced long queues
- Houston and New Orleans airports also experienced heavy congestion
Authorities in Austin advised travellers to arrive at least 2.5 hours before domestic flights due to delays caused by staff shortages.
Airports Offer Support to Unpaid Workers
Several airports have launched initiatives to support TSA workers who are continuing to work without pay.
Airports including Denver International Airport, Seattle-Tacoma International Airport and Las Vegas’ Harry Reid International Airport have asked travellers to donate gift cards or essential supplies to security staff.
Labour unions representing federal employees say the shutdown is placing enormous stress on workers and their families.
Antoinette Wade, president of the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) 1047, said the situation would be unacceptable in any other profession.
Political Dispute Behind the Shutdown
The partial government shutdown began on 14 February after Congress failed to pass a funding bill for the Department of Homeland Security.
The Trump administration blamed the stalemate on Democrats, who refused to approve funding unless immigration reforms were included.
Democrats have demanded changes to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) policies following controversial immigration raids earlier this year.
They have called for stricter rules on identification for immigration officers and limits on the use of face coverings during operations.
Airlines Warn Crisis Could Worsen
Airline executives say the longer the shutdown continues, the greater the disruption to the aviation industry and travellers.
“Air travel should not be used as a political football during government shutdowns,” the CEOs wrote.
They urged lawmakers to resolve the funding dispute quickly and introduce legislation ensuring that air traffic controllers and airport security staff are always paid, even during political deadlocks.
FAQs
Why are TSA workers not being paid?
TSA workers are unpaid because the US government shutdown has stopped funding for the Department of Homeland Security, which oversees airport security.
When did the US government shutdown begin?
The partial shutdown started on 14 February after Congress failed to pass a funding agreement for the DHS.
How is the shutdown affecting airport travel?
Staff shortages among TSA workers have caused long security lines and delays at several major US airports.
Will TSA workers receive back pay?
It is possible that TSA workers will receive back pay once the government shutdown ends and funding is restored.
