United CEO tells Congress to end the shutdown: 'Please get the deal done soon'

United CEO said its "ridiculous" things had to get bad before a deal is done in Congress. Patrick T. Fallon / AFP via Getty Images 2026-03-25T05:39:08.886Z Share Copy link Email Facebook WhatsApp X LinkedIn Bluesky Threads lighning bolt icon An icon in the shape of a lightning bolt.

Impact Link Save Saved Read in app Loading audio narration... This story is available exclusively to Business Insider subscribers. Become an Insider and start reading now. Have an account? Log in. United CEO Scott Kirby criticized Congress over the TSA funding delays. Kirby said that United is holding planes for passengers but cannot wait for everyone to clear the line. "It's just ridiculous to me that it has to get bad before they can get a deal done," he said. AI-generated summary Summaries are generated by an AI model trained on Business Insider's articles. AI may make mistakes or provide inaccurate/incomplete information. We're unable to load that answer right now. Please try again. What are TSA funding delays' impacts? Why is Congress delaying DHS funding? What solutions exist for TSA staffing? How are airlines coping with TSA issues? How do shutdowns affect air travel? The CEO of United Airlines has one request for Congress. In an interview with CBS News, aired on Tuesday, United CEO Scott Kirby said it's "unconscionable" that US politicians haven't reached a deal on Department of Homeland Security funding."We are holding airplanes, but when there is a five-hour wait, we can't hold for everyone," Kirby said. He added that he hopes it will be over soon."It's just ridiculous to me that it has to get bad before they can get a deal done," he said. "Please get the deal done soon." Every time Shubhangi publishes a story, you'll get an alert straight to your inbox! Stay connected to Shubhangi and get more of their work as it publishes. Sign up By clicking "Sign up", you agree to receive emails from Business Insider. In addition, you accept Insider's Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Transportation Security Administration workers are working without pay or calling out entirely due to a partial government shutdown that began on February 14. The shutdown closed off funding for most of the DHS, leading to long delays for travelers trying to navigate airport security.TSA staff absences exceeded 3,450 over the weekend and hundreds of workers have resigned, per DHS data shared with Business Insider. In January, Congress clashed over the funding package for DHS, as Democratic lawmakers pushed for reforms to Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Customs and Border Protection following the fatal shootings of Alex Pretti and Renée Good. The rest of the government was ultimately funded, but lawmakers have yet to reach a resolution on DHS funding, including money for TSA.In an open letter earlier this month, the executives of top carriers, including Delta Air Lines, Alaska Air Group, United, and Southwest Airlines, criticized Congress and called air travel a "political football amid another government shutdown." The executives added that Americans are "tired of long lines at airports, travel delays and flight cancellations caused by shutdown after shutdown."On Monday, ICE agents began deploying to some airports to help with the staffing shortages. Pressure for a deal is growing, and an upcoming March 27 deadline could speed things up. Kirby's comments about the TSA funding come amid an industry-wide price spike for flights. Airlines, including Qantas and Air France-KLM, have said they are raising fares amid fuel price increases. "Air fares will go up, and we'll probably be less profitable in the short term, United's Kirby said to CBS. "Air fares are up probably 15% to 20% in the last month." Airlines have also had to re-route flight plans to avoid flying over Gulf countries.