Airlines help Federal workers, aiming to prevent flight delays during the shutdown
The center has more than 2,000 employees in 26 departments.
Major US airlines are hiring air traffic controllers and other Federal workers who continue to work without pay amid the ongoing government shutdown.
About 13,000 traffic controllers and 50,000 security checkpoints (TSA) across the country are considered critical, meaning they must stay on the job just as their paychecks sit in Limbo. The shutdown, which began on Oct
In the meantime, lead airlines told FOX Business they are working to reduce delays and provide relief to affected Federal workers.
American Airlines
A spokesperson for American Airlines told FOX Business the company remains “committed” to supporting Federal employees, including providing meals at airports across the country.
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A Delta Air Lines airplane taxis on the runway at Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport during a government shutdown, Minneapolis, US, Oct. 29, 2025. (Tim Evans / Reuters)
Locations include Dallas Fort Worth International Airport in Texas, Philadelphia International Airport in Pennsylvania, Laguardia Airport in New York, Los Angeles Airport in Florida, among others, said a spokesperson for the agency.
“Thank you air traffic controllers, TSA officials as well [Customs and Border Protection] Officials who continue to ensure safe travel for our customers – just as they are paid during the government shutdown, “said a spokesperson for the group that these are played by email and air efficiency, and we are committed to supporting them in meaningful ways.”
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The Air Traffic Control tower at New York’s Laguardia Airport in New York City on Oct. October 28, 2025. (Shannon Stapleton/Reuters)
Southwest Airlines
Southwest Airlines told FOX Business It has done “very good” to reduce flight disruptions, although the final control of the air traffic system belongs to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
“Southwest Settest does everything possible to minimize delays caused by ground conditions, but the flow of air traffic is completely controlled by the FAA,” said a spokesperson for the company. “If we know in advance that control crews are going to be a problem, we can change our flight schedule to accommodate minimal delays.”
A company spokesperson added that cancellations and diversions occur “only when we have no other option.”
“Nothing is more important to Southwest than the safety of our customers and employees,” said a spokesperson for the agency.
American Airlines planes land on the Tarmac of Reagan National Airport. (Mandel Ngan/AFP via Getty Images)
Alaska Airlines is restoring operations after a technology outage disrupted flights across the country
Alaska Airlines
An Alaska Airlines spokesperson sent FOX Business on Oct. 24 Statement from Airlines of America, the trade association representing the petitioners to win the ongoing government stimulus package.
“Missed paychecks for Federal employees who are responsible for the safety of our national Airspace increase the stress on the thousands of air traffic controllers, CSAs and CBP employees who work every day to maintain the aircraft.
The United Airlines Operations Center is located at Southerk Liberty International Airport in Newark, New Jersey. (David ‘Dee’ Delgado / Reuters / Reuters)
The statement warned that “the system under pressure must slow down,” which could cause delays. The agency was also called by Congress to “act with a proper sense of urgency.”
Combined flights
A spokesperson for United Airlines taped FOX Business on the FAA and American Airlines for comment.
United Airlines is also donating food to government employees, including air traffic controllers, amid the government shutdown, according to People’s Daily.
An employee with the Transit Security Administration (TSA) checks documents at a terminal at Hollywood Burbank Airport on the first day of the first government shutdown in Burbank, California, on Oct. 1, 2025. (Daniel Cole/Reuters)
Other airlines serving meals include Delta Air Lines and Jetlue, the people said.
Delta said it had “planned a limited number of meals for its flight attendants,” and JetBlue said it planned to “donate our airline’s flights as an act of support,” according to the people.
| It’s teasing | Security | – Last | Answer | change % |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| – Say | American Airlines Group Inc. | 13.13 | +0.35 |
+ 2.74% |
| Personal | Southwest Airlines CO. | 30.30 | +0.21 |
+ 0.71% |
| Then add water | Alaska Air Group Inc. | 41.71 | +1.02 |
+ 2.51% |
| ALJBU | No data available | – | – |
– |
| ULCC | Frontier Group Holdings Inc | 3.86 | +0.18 |
+ 4.89% |
The FAA did not respond to FOX Business’ request for comment. An automatic response from the agency said: “Due to a lack of funding, the FAA does not respond to general media inquiries.”
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FOX Business reached out to JetBlue, social airlines and airlines.
