Ed Bastian, CEO of Delta Airlines, attributes the widespread disorder at airports across the nation to Congress, citing the legislators’ inability to finalize an agreement on Department of Homeland Security funding during ‘The Claman Countdown.’
Ed Bastian, the Chief Executive Officer of Delta Airlines, sharply criticized Congress for generating a “disaster” as lawmakers continue to impede the financing of the Department of Homeland Security.
During an exclusive interview on “The Claman Countdown” on Monday, Bastian directly blamed Congress for leaving passengers to contend with extensive security queues and TSA personnel without pay for over a month.
“Our frustration at the absence of leadership emanating from Congress is immense,” the Delta CEO conveyed to FOX Business anchor Liz Claman.
Bastian’s remarks follow President Donald Trump’s signing of an executive directive on Friday to compensate TSA agents, who had gone without remuneration since February 14th, a consequence of a legislative dispute concerning Homeland Security Department appropriations. TSA staff began receiving deferred payments on Monday.
Travelers experienced lengthy waiting periods on Sunday, March 22, 2026, at Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (left, center) and Hartsfield Jackson Atlanta International Airport (right) due to the partial federal closure. (WVUE / Fox News)
“Thankfully, the president instituted an emergency directive to guarantee that the TSA workforce receives their wages,” Bastian stated.
“I commend their efforts. I value the forbearance shown by our patrons who must endure this hardship, but it truly is a calamity.”
Bastian indicated that subsequent to Trump’s directive, agents have commenced their return to duty.
“We have observed the queues beginning to diminish over this past weekend,” Bastian informed FOX Business. “The situation was considerably less severe than in the preceding couple of weekends, and hopefully, this matter will be resolved quite soon.”
Hundreds of TSA personnel resigned during the shutdown, with many more reporting sick after their salaries ceased over a month prior.
TSA officers perform duties at a security screening point at Ronald Reagan International Airport in Arlington, Virginia., March 15, 2026. (REUTERS/Aaron Schwartz / Reuters Photos)
Bastian applauded the agents’ commitment and expressed his hope that a similar cessation of government operations will not recur, given that two have happened within a year.
“We are profoundly grateful for their contributions, and it is our earnest hope that, emerging from this situation, we will enact new laws to prevent a recurrence of this ordeal,” he stated.
“I commend all their profound sacrifices made to maintain our transportation network and its inherent safety.”
Bastian further elaborated on why Delta rescinded travel advantages for members of Congress during the federal closure, discontinuing the airport escort service usually afforded to legislators.
“Our aim is to ensure they comprehend the consequences of their actions and queue up just like every other individual,” the Delta Airlines CEO remarked.
Ed Bastian, chief executive officer of Delta Air Lines Inc., during an interview on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) in New York, US, on Wednesday, Nov. 12, 2025. (Michael Nagle/Bloomberg via Getty Images / Getty Images)
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“We notified their administrative offices in advance, and I believe they grasp the rationale behind our decision.”
Bastian additionally disclosed the duration for which the suspension of congressional airport privileges would persist.
“At a minimum, this will continue until all operations resume normalcy and staff are compensated — at which juncture, we will determine whether to maintain the suspension.”
Bastian implored passengers to exercise patience with agents and airline personnel as the government shutdown and its ramifications progressively subside.
“I request that all viewing patrons persist in – as they are – being exceptionally courteous and patient, and we value their forbearance as we navigate this predicament,” he conveyed.