to the editor: The US government has bailed out airlines using taxpayer money on multiple occasions, particularly after the September 11, 2001 attacks and during the COVID-19 pandemic. The latter included payroll support to continue employee salaries and benefits, as well as loans from the US Treasury.
The current disruption to domestic air traffic caused by non-payment of TSA and air traffic controller salaries due to the government shutdown poses a risk to both security and national security (“Up to 1,800 daily flights could be affected by airport cuts; California will be hit hard.” November 6). Not to mention an economic catastrophe for private commerce and tourism, as well as for the airline industry.
Why aren't the National Transportation Safety Board and Federal Aviation Administration asking airlines to help compensate this workforce on an emergency basis to keep our airports open and operating? Isn't this common sense? After all, it looks like airlines will suffer major economic setbacks as flights are cut by 10% in the coming weeks.
Steve Mathis, Beverly Hills
