Top US airline executives call on Congress to end government shutdown and pay employees.

Executives of 10 airlines and aviation companies in the United States are calling on Congress to end the government shutdown that has affected travelers. A joint letter released on Saturday stated: "Americans living in your districts and states are tired of the airport queues, travel delays, and flight cancellations caused by repeated government shutdowns. However, air travel has once again become a political football in the new government shutdown." The executives who signed the letter include CEOs of Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, American Airlines, Alaska Airlines, Southwest Airlines, JetBlue Airways, and the CEO of a United Parcel Service. The letter stated: "TSA employees are receiving zero pay. This is entirely unacceptable. Without income, making ends meet, filling up the car with gas, paying rent, even if not impossible, will become exceptionally difficult." The executives also pointed out that the current season is the peak time for spring break travel, and the shutdown is putting immense pressure on unpaid employees of the Federal Transportation Security Administration. They stated that this year's World Cup and the 250th anniversary celebration of the founding of the United States are expected to bring a record 171 million travelers to the country. They said: "The government should have ensured that affected employees are paid." The executives also urged Congress to pass three bills to ensure air traffic controllers and TSA employees receive compensation regardless of the government's financial situation.