United Airlines CEO blasts Chuck Schumer, Democrats for shutdown and unpaid ATC staff

WASHINGTON, DC: United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby sharply criticized Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and Senate Democrats on Thursday, October 30, over the government shutdown and failure to pay Air Traffic Controllers.

Kirby spoke during a press conference aboard Air Force One alongside Vice President JD Vance, calling on Senate Democrats to end the shutdown by passing a clean continuing resolution (CR) in cooperation with Republicans. He emphasized that the ongoing impasse was putting stress not only on federal workers but also on the US economy.

Scott Kirby says it’s time to pass a clean CR

Kirby opened the press conference by acknowledging the efforts of federal employees. “I want to start by really thanking the professionals—the air traffic controllers, folks at the TSA, and also the FAA management. They are working hard, keeping the skies safe, and minimizing delays. Fewer than two percent of flights have been delayed so far due to staffing shortages. They have done a great job,” he said.

He continued, “But this situation is putting stress on people and the economy. In the first couple of weeks, the impact was minimal, but every day that passes, the economic consequences grow. Airlines are a real-time indicator, and we’re already seeing reduced bookings. It’s still minor, but the trend is steep." 

Kirby stressed that partisan disagreements over healthcare should not prevent action. “It has been 30 days. I don’t take a position on which side should prevail in healthcare debates. But it is time to pass a clean CR. Let’s get into a room behind closed doors and negotiate on the real issues the American people want solved. Do this without putting workers and the economy at risk,” he concluded.

Several officials call for passing of a clean CR

Other airline industry leaders echoed Kirby’s call for a clean CR. Jody Revan, President of the Southwest Airlines Pilots Association, said, “The biggest way to ensure the safety, security, and reliability of our National Air Traffic Control system is to pass a clean continuing resolution."

Nick Silva, President of the Allied Pilots Association, added, “We are concerned that our brothers and sisters in TSA and Air Traffic Control are not receiving paychecks. Their focus is distracted, which affects safety and operations.”

Nick Daniels, President of the National Air Traffic Controllers Association, highlighted the human toll, saying, “Every day they go to work, they carry the weight of one of the highest consequence jobs in the world, while also worrying about basic needs like gas and groceries. No one should work without pay.”

Geoff Freeman, President and CEO of the US Travel Association, urged Congress to act swiftly. “Congress owes it to the American people to pass a clean CR and reopen the government,” he said.