The CEOs of major U.S. airlines are calling on Congress to act quickly to end the ongoing government shutdown. They warned that the 29-day partial shutdown has forced 50,000 airport security officers to work without pay, creating major disruptions in air travel. Airports have already seen delays as Transportation Security Administration (TSA) staff absences have slowed security checkpoints. The warnings come during the busy spring travel season when millions of Americans are expected to fly. “Travelers are waiting in painfully long lines at security checkpoints,” said airline leaders, including executives from American Airlines, United Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Southwest Airlines, JetBlue Airways, and Alaska Airlines, in an open letter to Congress. The airline CEOs urged lawmakers to immediately fund the Department of Homeland Security and to pass laws ensuring that TSA and other critical aviation staff are paid during any future government shutdowns. The partial shutdown began on February 13 after Congress failed to reach a deal on immigration enforcement reforms. Since then, TSA has reported that over 300 officers have quit, worsening delays at major airports. Some airports have had to close security checkpoints, while others are seeking donations to help unpaid TSA staff cover basic expenses. Airlines are bracing for a record-breaking spring travel season, expecting 171 million passengers to fly, a 4% increase from the same period last year. Delays at airports like Houston Hobby, New Orleans, and Newark have already exceeded two hours in some cases due to officer shortages. Last fall, a 43-day government shutdown led to widespread flight disruptions. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) cut flights by 10% at major airports. Airline CEOs say air travel has once again become a “political football” amid the shutdown. Executives from cargo carriers FedEx, United Parcel Service, and Atlas Air also joined the call, stressing that legislation is needed to protect critical government aviation workers during future shutdowns. Lawmakers from both parties failed last week to approve emergency funding for TSA. Airline leaders stressed that Americans are tired of long lines, travel delays, and flight cancellations caused by repeated shutdowns. “The public expects airports to operate safely and efficiently,” the CEOs wrote. “Congress must act to end the shutdown and ensure TSA officers are paid for their work.” As the spring travel rush continues, airlines hope urgent action will prevent further chaos. Without it, travelers could face longer waits, more cancellations, and rising frustration at airports nationwide.