Mar 25, 2026 - Delta Air Lines announced it is temporarily suspending specialty services for members of Congress as the partial Department of Homeland Security shutdown continues to strain airport operations nationwide.
The Atlanta-based carrier said the move was due to resource constraints caused by the funding impasse, which began on Feb. 14. Specialty services include dedicated airport escorts and “red coat” assistance for lawmakers and their staff. The airline’s Capitol Desk reservation line will remain available, but members of Congress will be treated as regular passengers based on their SkyMiles loyalty status for other services such as upgrades and rebooking.
Delta issued the statement on Tuesday, citing the impact of prolonged staffing shortages at Transportation Security Administration checkpoints. The shutdown has led to hundreds of TSA officer resignations and elevated call-out rates, resulting in security lines stretching several hours at major airports. Delta described the suspension as a temporary measure tied directly to the resolution of the funding lapse.
The airline, which operates a large hub in Atlanta, has faced the same operational pressures as other carriers. Passengers across the country have reported extended wait times at security screening areas, with some airports experiencing delays that affected flight schedules. Industry groups have advised travelers to arrive earlier than usual.
Delta’s decision affects members of the House and Senate who frequently fly on the carrier between Washington, D.C., and their home districts or states. No other major airlines have announced similar suspensions as of Wednesday.
The Department of Homeland Security oversees the TSA, which continues to operate with essential personnel working without regular pay. The Senate confirmed Markwayne Mullin as the new DHS secretary on March 23, but the shutdown has not ended pending congressional action on funding.
Delta emphasized that safety remains its top priority and that the suspension applies only to the specialty congressional services. The airline did not specify an end date beyond the resolution of the shutdown.
As of Wednesday morning, the partial shutdown remained in effect with no agreement reached on restoring full funding. Delta operations continued normally for all other passengers, though the carrier urged customers to check flight status and prepare for potential delays at affected airports.