‘We are beyond frustrated’: Delta Air Lines CEO Ed Bastian blasts inaction in Congress that fueled travel chaos

Top executives at the major U.S. airlines have been vocal in sharing their frustrations amid the ongoing partial government shutdown, which has resulted in Transportation Security Administration (TSA) staffing shortages, lengthy airport security lines, and flight delays.  The partial shutdown began on February 14 when funding for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) lapsed. TSA officers are classified as essential workers, meaning they’re still required to show up, even without pay.  Because of financial uncertainty, many employees called out sick or quit altogether. As the weeks went by, staffing shortages worsened, and wait times grew longer.  Airline bosses are at the end of their ropes Airline leaders are fed up with the ongoing shutdown. Last month, several airline CEOs signed an open letter to Congress demanding that lawmakers “immediately come together to reach an agreement to fund the Department of Homeland Security.” Ed Bastian, CEO of Del