🔗 Share this article US Airport Disruption Deepens as Staffing Shortages Escalate During Government Shutdown Passengers throughout America are bracing for increasing disruptions as workforce gaps at airports further deteriorate during the current federal government shutdown, now reaching its seventh consecutive day. Growing Concerns Over Air Travel Network Labor leaders for air traffic controllers and security screeners have cautioned that the circumstances is expected to worsen, with workforce issues reported at several key airports including locations such as Nashville, Boston, Dallas, Chicago and Philadelphia. "The risk of broader effects to the American air travel network is growing by the day," commented aviation expert Henry Harteveldt. He expressed grave concern that if the shutdown continues, it could potentially disrupt millions of Americans' Thanksgiving travel plans in November. Flight Delays and Operational Issues Staffing shortages, including an increased rate of employees calling in sick, affected key facilities around Denver, Los Angeles and New York on Monday, resulting in postponements affecting more than 6,000 flights across the country. Burbank airport's air traffic control was temporarily closed and operations were handled by a different location Nashville airport experienced delays of approximately two hours due to staffing issues O'Hare Airport in Chicago recorded typical postponements of nearly three-quarters of an hour Dallas-Fort Worth had delays logged at 30 minutes Sector Reaction and Labor Stance The primary air traffic controllers union emphasized that it does not endorse any organized actions that could negatively affect the National Airspace System. The union stated that air traffic controllers value their duty to protect public safety very seriously and engaging in any work stoppage could lead to termination of employment. Government Perspective Transportation Secretary the transportation official alerted that the country's air traffic control system is suffering damage from the continuing federal closure. "They're not just thinking about the airspace," he remarked regarding air traffic controllers who are not receiving salaries. "They're concerned about, 'Am I going to get a salary'?" He noted that many operators depend on regular income and are unable to manage extended periods without payment. Wider Consequences Based on emergency preparations, approximately 25% of the workforce, or over eleven thousand aviation administration workers, were furloughed when the closure started last week. However, 13,000 air traffic controllers remain on duty, with hiring and training continuing as well. Union president Nick Daniels indicated that the closure has emphasized preexisting issues encountered by air traffic controllers, including staff shortages and outdated equipment. He explained that the circumstances is especially serious at smaller airports where reduced personnel creates further difficulties. Regardless of the widespread delays, aviation analytics showed that approximately ninety-two percent of flights departing from US airports departed as scheduled as of Tuesday afternoon. The aviation regulator had not activated a "workforce threshold" that would decrease the number of flights in and out of airports, suggesting that operations were proceeding despite the difficulties.