Airlines Provide Meals to Unpaid Air Traffic Controllers Amid Shutdowns

As the government shutdown drags into its fourth week, air traffic controllers across the United States are feeling the strain. Now, some of the country’s biggest airlines are stepping up to help. 

Many federal aviation employees missed their first full month’s pay, marking day 28 of the political deadlock in Washington that has left thousands of essential workers without income. 

United Airlines confirmed that it has begun providing meals to air traffic controllers and other federal aviation staff who are continuing to work without pay. 

“United is donating meals for air traffic controllers and other federal workers whose pay is delayed,” the airline said in a statement. “We appreciate the hardworking federal employees who are keeping the air travel system running safely every day.” 

The airline stated that meal donations are being made at major hub airports across the United States, including Chicago, Denver, Houston, Los Angeles, Newark, San Francisco, and Washington, D.C. 

Delta Air Lines has also joined the effort, saying it has “arranged for a limited number of meals for transportation sector workers,” while ensuring it operates within the strict federal rules governing such actions. 

Meanwhile, American Airlines has provided meals for air traffic controllers, TSA officers, and Customs and Border Protection agents at more than seven airports nationwide. At Dallas Fort Worth International Airport, controllers were surprised with dozens of pizzas, a small gesture that brought some comfort amid the financial uncertainty. 

JetBlue also confirmed that it is working with federal agencies to provide food and support at several of its airport locations, calling the effort “a gesture of appreciation for the people.” 

“We’re coordinating with TSA, CBP, and the FAA to ensure these essential employees know we stand with them,” the airline said. 

At a press briefing at LaGuardia Airport in New York, US Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy acknowledged the growing hardship facing aviation professionals. 

“This is day one of controllers missing a full paycheck,” Duffy said. “Day two gets harder, and day three even harder after that, as expenses continue to pile up.” 

Duffy added that a growing number of controllers have begun calling in sick or taking temporary side jobs, such as driving for Uber, delivering food or taking odd shifts, simply to make ends meet.