Airlines, Pilots Demand Action as Democrat Shutdown Pushes Air Travel to the Edge

The U.S. airline system is in chaos as air traffic controllers, TSA agents and other government employees work without pay and flight disruptions are widespread. Democrats’ refusal to end the shutdown has caused a destructive and damaging effect on the U.S. economy.

The aviation industry has united to call on Democrats to end the political gamesmanship, and stop their shutdown, before the crisis reaches a full-blown level that threatens the skies of the United States.

The association that represents the largest U.S. Airlines — American Airlines, Delta Air Lines and Southwest Airlines — released a statement calling for a swift resolution by Republicans’ nonpartisan, clean bill.

Airlines For America: “At this time when air travel is at record levels and cargo shipments are increasing, predictability and stability for U.S. Aviation are more important than ever. Missed pay for federal employees responsible for the safe and efficient facilitation our national airspace increases stress unnecessarily for thousands of air traffic control, TSA officers and CBP workers who work each day to maintain aviation safety and security. Aviation is the safest form of transportation, but a system that is under pressure must slow down. This will reduce efficiency and cause delays for both travelers and shippers. We call on elected leaders to act urgently to resolve this issue and reopen federal government immediately. Passing a clean CR is the fastest and easiest way to pay these critical employees. Congress made a major downpayment to modernize the FAA’s outdated air traffic control system. The DOT prioritized’supercharging hiring’ to ensure that air traffic control facilities are fully staffed. Meanwhile, the TSA continues screening a historically high number of travelers at checkpoints. Congress should build upon these positive developments to ensure that commercial aircraft can continue driving the economy and connecting Americans to the world.”

Major unions representing tens and thousands of pilots from U.S. Airlines joined airlines to call on Democrats for the passage of the nonpartisan, clean continuing resolution.

Coalition of Airline Pilots Association “On behalf of Coalition of Airline Pilots Associations and its 30,000 Members, we call upon Congress to end this government shutdown by passing an unambiguous Continuing Resolution. As pilots, we adhere to strict procedures that promote safety as our number one priority. This year, we have witnessed the tension and stress on the National Airspace System because of the shortage of air traffic controllers. The shutdown has only increased the pressures on them as they report to work now without a paycheck. It’s now time to acknowledge their contribution, as well as our colleagues at TSA who ensure that we fly safely in the skies each day, with the trust from the American flying public. Congress must end this shutdown as soon as possible to show their support for these men and woman.
Allied Pilots Association First Officer Nick Silva, President: Congress should reconvene to work bipartisanly to pass a clean Continuing Resolution in order to fund and reopen government. We stand in solidarity with our air traffic controllers and TSA employees who show up every day to work without receiving a paycheck. They take their oath to ensure a safe National Airspace system seriously so that we, the pilots, can ensure the flying community reaches their destination in a timely and harm-free manner. The pressure on these aviation professionals to not be paid increases as the shutdown continues and airports experience potential delays. “It’s time to support these men, and reopen federal government.”
NetJets Association of Shared Aircraft Pilots Capt. Pedro Leroux said: “How can our industry peers be focused on their responsibilities, chief among which is to keep the flying public secure and safe when they are probably wondering how long without pay they will go? How do they feed their families and care for them? ATC is a vital resource for our members, providing critical guidance and support throughout the flight. The shutdown is now in its 23rd day, and it is putting a strain on everyone involved – federal workers, flight crews, and travelers. “It is undeniable that our system today is less secure than it was when the shutdown started on October 1.”
Southwest Airlines Pilots Association president Capt. Jody Reven says: “In light of the strains on our nation’s air traffic system, SWAPA urges Congress strongly to pass a clean Continuing Resolution in order to fund the Government. Air traffic controllers, and the wider air traffic system as a whole, are already under enormous pressure. A government shutdown will only compound this stress and threaten the efficiency of the skies. TSA workers continue to work every day, without compensation, to protect the traveling public. These men and woman deserve our full support, and the assurance of a paycheck.”

The industry leaders join together to call on Democrats to end the shutdown immediately and restore normal order to the country.

Air Line Pilots Association International President Capt. Jason Ambrosi said: “It’s time for our leaders, in good faith, to sit down and make a deal to reopen government. Airline pilots are in solidarity with their NATCA brothers and sisters and all federal workers who continue to work during the shutdown without a paycheck. It is difficult to keep aviation safe and secure on a normal day. But forcing pilots to work without pay compromises our system’s safety and security. “We are at a crucial moment for aviation safety and our leaders must focus on infrastructure and staffing improvement.”
National Air Traffic Controllers Association president Nick Daniels .. “NATCA advocates that every excepted federal employee be paid, regardless of the circumstances, and no matter the shutdown. We’re making sure that our message gets out loud and clear. It’s only one way. “The only way to do it is by ending the shutdown, putting everyone back to work, and compensating them for their work day in and out. Especially air traffic controllers.”

The Democrat Shutdown has had a devastating effect on the aviation industry. Each week that the shutdown continues, $1 billion is lost in travel-related expenditures, and 13,000 air traffic control workers are about to miss their first paycheck. Democrats use this crisis to “leverage their sick political games.”

Source: https://www.whitehouse.gov/articles/2025/10/airlines-pilots-demand-action-as-democrat-shutdown-pushes-air-travel-to-the-edge/

Share on Social Media