Airlines for America, the trade association that represents the major U.S. air carriers, is predicting record traffic for the upcoming spring travel period.
About 171 million passengers are expected to fly on U.S. airlines in March and April, the group said, up 4% over last year. In response, member carriers are set to increase flights and seats by 2% overall.
Some airlines have also added temporary routes to warm weather destinations for the spring break window.
Airlines for America warned that the ongoing partial government shutdown – specifically affecting the Department of Homeland Security – could cause problems for passengers as traffic picks up next month.
“U.S. airlines are ready for the travel rush this spring, but we have grave concerns that millions of travelers are once again being used as a political football by the federal government amid another government shutdown,” A4A President and CEO Chris Sununu said in a news release. “It is past time for Congress to get to the table and strike a deal that ensures TSA and CBP can fully operate and their frontline employees can be paid for the important work they do to keep our skies secure.”
Both TSA and Customs and Border Protection are part of the Department of Homeland Security. Democrats in Congress have blocked funding for the department in a bid to strengthen oversight of CBP and Immigration and Customs Enforcement, also known as ICE.
The shutdown has not had an immediate effect on DHS operations, as its agencies continue to receive funding from mandatory spending and the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. But that could change if the deadlock in Congress persists and funding sources run low.
Essential TSA, CBP, and ICE personnel would have to continue working even without a paycheck.
A4A also called for the full reinstatement of Global Entry, a CBP-administered program that allows pre-approved travelers to clear customs faster than the general public.
DHS leadership announced the suspension of Global Entry and TSA PreCheck on Sunday, citing the partial shutdown, but within hours the department reversed itself and reopened PreCheck. Global Entry, however, remains suspended.
“There is no need and no data that supports the decision to suspend the Global Entry program, and DHS should act with urgency to reverse course and reopen the Global Entry program,” Sununu said. “DHS did an about-face and reopened TSA PreCheck lanes – because it is common sense to have these programs fully functioning, especially ahead of spring break travel.”
