Airline CEOs to Attend White House Roundtable
October 30, 2025 – The CEOs of United Airlines (UAL.O) and American Airlines (AAL.O) are scheduled to participate in a White House roundtable with Vice President JD Vance on Thursday. The meeting comes as the aviation industry pushes for an end to the 30-day U.S. government shutdown, which has severely disrupted operations at airports nationwide.
The roundtable will include:
- Scott Kirby, United Airlines CEO
- Robert Isom, American Airlines CEO
- Vice President JD Vance
- Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy
- Chris Sununu, Airlines for America CEO
- Jason Ambrosi, Air Line Pilots Association President
Government Shutdown Disrupts Aviation Sector
The shutdown, now in its 24th day, has forced 13,000 air traffic controllers and 50,000 TSA officers to work without pay, creating delays and cancellations for thousands of flights. Airlines report operational disruptions, increased staffing challenges, and growing frustration among passengers.
The aviation industry is urging Congress and the administration to resolve the shutdown promptly, citing the cascading effects on airline schedules, airport operations, and broader economic activity.
Industry Impact and Stakeholder Concerns
Airlines have highlighted several key impacts:
- Flight disruptions and cancellations, leading to revenue losses
- Strained workforce morale, with federal employees working without pay
- Operational risks, as staffing shortages compromise air traffic safety and security
- Economic ripple effects, affecting tourism, business travel, and airport retail
Airlines for America and pilot unions emphasize the urgent need for legislative action to resume normal government operations.
White House Roundtable Objectives
The roundtable aims to:
- Assess the impact of the shutdown on aviation and federal employees
- Identify immediate relief measures for disrupted airline operations
- Encourage coordination between the federal government and airlines to maintain flight safety and efficiency
- Facilitate dialogue between policymakers, airline executives, and labor representatives
Sources note that discussions will also focus on the broader economic consequences of prolonged federal shutdowns on U.S. air travel and transportation networks.
Conclusion
With the U.S. government shutdown entering its fourth week, the participation of United and American Airlines CEOs underscores the aviation sector’s growing pressure on federal leaders to restore normal operations. The White House roundtable represents a critical step in addressing flight disruptions, workforce challenges, and economic fallout.
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