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Passengers throughout America are preparing for increasing disruptions as airport staffing shortages continue to worsen during the ongoing federal government shutdown, now reaching its seventh day.

Escalating Worries Over Air Travel Network

Labor leaders for air traffic controllers and security screeners have warned that the circumstances is likely to deteriorate, with staffing challenges documented at several key airports including facilities in Nashville, Boston, Dallas, Chicago and Philadelphia.

"The potential of broader effects to the American air travel network is growing by the day," commented aviation expert Henry Harteveldt.

He expressed grave concern that should the closure persist, it could possibly interfere with millions of Americans' Thanksgiving travel plans in November.

Flight Delays and Operational Issues

Workforce gaps, featuring an increased rate of workers taking sick leave, affected major airports around New York, Los Angeles and Denver on Monday, causing delays for over 6,000 flights across the country.

• Burbank airport's air traffic control was temporarily closed and responsibilities were managed by a different location
• Nashville airport experienced delays of approximately two hours due to staffing issues
• Chicago's O'Hare recorded typical postponements of 41 minutes
• The DFW airport had delays logged at 30 minutes

Industry Response and Union Position

The primary air traffic controllers union emphasized that it does not support any coordinated activities that could adversely impact the national flight network.

The union stated that flight controllers value their duty to protect public safety very seriously and engaging in any job action could result in removal from federal service.

Government Perspective

The Transportation Department head Sean Duffy warned that the country's air traffic control system is being harmed from the ongoing government shutdown.

"They aren't only thinking about the flight paths," he commented regarding air traffic controllers who are working without pay. "They're concerned about, 'Am I going to get a salary'?"

The official noted that many controllers depend on regular income and cannot afford extended periods without compensation.

Wider Consequences

Based on emergency preparations, roughly 25% of the employees, or over eleven thousand aviation administration workers, were furloughed when the shutdown began last week.

Nevertheless, thirteen thousand flight controllers remain on duty, with recruitment and instruction continuing as well.

Union president Nick Daniels indicated that the closure has highlighted preexisting issues encountered by flight controllers, including workforce gaps and aging technology.

He explained that the circumstances is especially serious at smaller airports where limited staffing creates further difficulties.

Regardless of the extensive postponements, aviation analytics indicated that roughly 92% of flights departing from US airports took off on time as of Tuesday afternoon.

The aviation regulator had not issued a "staffing trigger" that would reduce the flight volume in and out of airports, suggesting that activities were proceeding despite the difficulties.