Major U.S. airlines are stepping in to support thousands of federal aviation workers who continue to work without pay amid the ongoing government shutdown. It’s in the interest of every U.S. airline and airport to keep these essential workers happy and I’m impressed that they are stepping in to help by providing free meals.

Meal Ticket: Airlines Step Up Support As Federal Airport Workers Go Unpaid

With the government shutdown now stretching into its fifth week, approximately 13,000 air traffic controllers and an estimated 50,000 Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officers remain on duty but unpaid.

Several major airlines, including American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and United Airlines, have begun providing meals and hub-based support for these essential workers. American said it remains “committed” to supporting federal employees through food at its hubs, saying it is “grateful to the air traffic controllers, TSA officers and CBP officers who continue to ensure safe travel—even as they go unpaid.” United says it is “donating meals for air traffic controllers and other federal workers whose pay is delayed.” Meals may be a small gesture, but every penny helps when there is no income pouring in.

By this point, the aviation system is beginning to show strain. The FAA has warned that without pay, fatigue and staffing gaps among controllers are increasing risk. In October, Secretary Sean Duffy noted that while over 90% of controllers reported to work, delays and absences are rising and towers are under increasing pressure. Airlines warn that if staffing issues continue, delays will climb and the system may need to slow down to maintain safety.

Passengers may not yet feel widespread cancellations, but longer security lines and modest delays are already creeping in at major hubs. As one carrier put it, “A system under stress must be slowed down,” meaning the cost of the shutdown will be borne by travelers if it drags on. But the cost is certainly being borne by government workers right now as Congress fails to exercise its power of the purse. It’s time to pass a clean continuing resolution and then hash out healthcare…

CONCLUSION

Airlines stepping up support for unpaid federal aviation workers is both a gesture of solidarity and a signal of urgency. But free meals do not pay mortgages, utilities, schooling, and other essentials that workers without adequate rainy day funds are now struggling to cover. It’s only natural that these workers will seek funding elsewhere…for survival. Even so, kudos to airlines for trying to at least partially soften the blow.