🔗 Share this article US Airport Disruption Worsens as Workforce Gaps Escalate During Government Shutdown Travelers throughout America are bracing for increasing delays as workforce gaps at airports continue to worsen during the ongoing federal government shutdown, now reaching its seventh day. Escalating Worries Over Air Travel Network Union representatives for air traffic controllers and security screeners have cautioned that the situation is expected to worsen, with staffing challenges reported at several major airports including facilities in Nashville, Boston, Dallas, Chicago and Philadelphia. "The potential of broader effects to the US aviation system continues to increase by the day," stated aviation expert Henry Harteveldt. He expressed grave concern that if the shutdown continues, it could possibly interfere with millions of Americans' Thanksgiving travel plans in November. Travel Disruptions and Operational Challenges Staffing shortages, including an increased rate of workers taking sick leave, impacted major airports around Denver, Los Angeles and New York on Monday, resulting in delays for over 6,000 flights nationwide. Burbank airport's flight control was briefly shut down and operations were handled by another facility Nashville airport reported postponements averaging 120 minutes due to staffing issues O'Hare Airport in Chicago recorded typical postponements of 41 minutes The DFW airport experienced delays logged at 30 minutes Industry Response and Union Position The National Air Traffic Controllers Association stressed that it does not endorse any coordinated activities that could negatively affect the National Airspace System. The union stated that air traffic controllers take their responsibility to ensure passenger security extremely earnestly and engaging in any work stoppage could lead to removal from federal service. Official Viewpoint Transportation Secretary the transportation official alerted that the national flight control network is suffering damage from the ongoing government shutdown. "They're not just thinking about the flight paths," he remarked regarding flight controllers who are not receiving salaries. "They're concerned about, 'Am I going to get a salary'?" The official noted that many controllers depend on regular income and are unable to manage prolonged durations without compensation. Wider Consequences According to emergency preparations, roughly a quarter of the employees, or more than 11,000 aviation administration workers, were temporarily laid off when the closure started last week. Nevertheless, 13,000 air traffic controllers remain on duty, with recruitment and instruction continuing as well. Union president Nick Daniels pointed out that the closure has highlighted preexisting issues encountered by air traffic controllers, including staff shortages and outdated equipment. He clarified that the circumstances is particularly grave at smaller airports where limited staffing creates further difficulties. Regardless of the extensive postponements, aviation analytics showed that approximately ninety-two percent of departures from American airports took off on time as of Tuesday afternoon. The aviation regulator had not issued a "workforce threshold" that would decrease the number of flights in and out of airports, indicating that activities were proceeding despite the challenges.