🔗 Share this article US Airport Disruption Deepens as Staffing Shortages Intensify During Government Shutdown Travelers throughout America are preparing for growing delays as workforce gaps at airports continue to worsen during the ongoing federal government shutdown, now entering its seventh day. Escalating Worries Over Air Travel Network Labor leaders for flight controllers and TSA agents have warned that the situation is likely to deteriorate, with workforce issues reported at multiple major airports including locations such as Nashville, Boston, Dallas, Chicago and Philadelphia. "The risk of wider impacts to the US aviation system is growing by the day," stated travel industry analyst Henry Harteveldt. He expressed grave concern that if the shutdown continues, it could possibly interfere with countless American Thanksgiving travel plans in November. Flight Delays and Operational Challenges Staffing shortages, featuring an elevated number of workers taking sick leave, impacted major airports around Denver, Los Angeles and New York on Monday, causing delays for over 6,000 flights across the country. Burbank airport's air traffic control was temporarily closed and operations were handled by a different location The Nashville facility reported postponements averaging 120 minutes due to staffing issues O'Hare Airport in Chicago showed typical postponements of nearly three-quarters of an hour The DFW airport experienced postponements recorded at 30 minutes Sector Reaction and Union Position The National Air Traffic Controllers Association stressed that it does not support any coordinated activities that could adversely impact the National Airspace System. The organization clarified that air traffic controllers take their responsibility to protect public safety very seriously and engaging in any work stoppage could lead to removal from federal service. Government Perspective The Transportation Department head Sean Duffy warned that the national flight control network is being harmed from the continuing federal closure. "They aren't only thinking about the airspace," he commented regarding flight controllers who are working without pay. "They're thinking about, 'Am I going to get a paycheck'?" He noted that many operators live paycheck to paycheck and are unable to manage prolonged durations without compensation. Wider Consequences According to emergency preparations, approximately a quarter of the workforce, or more than 11,000 FAA employees, were furloughed when the shutdown began last week. Nevertheless, thirteen thousand flight controllers continue working, with recruitment and instruction continuing as well. Labor leader Nick Daniels pointed out that the closure has emphasized preexisting issues faced by flight controllers, including workforce gaps and aging technology. He clarified that the circumstances is particularly grave at smaller airports where limited staffing creates further difficulties. Regardless of the widespread delays, flight data 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, indicating that activities were continuing despite the challenges.