🔗 Share this article American Airport Disruption Deepens as Workforce Gaps Intensify During Federal Closure Passengers across the United States are bracing for growing delays as workforce gaps at airports continue to worsen during the ongoing federal government shutdown, now reaching its seventh day. Growing Concerns Over Air Travel Network Labor leaders for flight controllers and security screeners have cautioned that the situation is expected to worsen, with staffing challenges documented at several key airports including locations such as Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Nashville and Philadelphia. "The potential of wider impacts to the US aviation system is growing by the day," stated aviation expert Henry Harteveldt. He expressed serious worry that if the shutdown continues, it could possibly interfere with countless American Thanksgiving travel plans in November. Travel Disruptions and Operational Challenges Staffing shortages, featuring an increased rate of workers taking sick leave, affected major airports around New York, Los Angeles and Denver on Monday, resulting in delays for over 6,000 flights nationwide. The Burbank facility's air traffic control was temporarily closed and operations were handled by a different location Nashville airport reported postponements averaging 120 minutes due to staffing issues Chicago's O'Hare recorded average delays of nearly three-quarters of an hour The DFW airport experienced postponements recorded at 30 minutes Industry Response and Union Position The primary air traffic controllers union emphasized that it does not endorse any coordinated activities that could negatively affect the national flight network. The organization stated that air traffic controllers value their duty to protect public safety very seriously and participating in any job action could result in removal from federal service. Official Viewpoint The Transportation Department head Sean Duffy warned that the national flight control network is being harmed 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 observed that many controllers live paycheck to paycheck and cannot afford extended periods without compensation. Broader Implications Based on emergency preparations, approximately 25% of the employees, or over eleven thousand FAA employees, were furloughed when the closure started last week. Nevertheless, thirteen thousand flight controllers continue working, with hiring and training also ongoing. Labor leader Nick Daniels indicated that the closure has highlighted existing challenges encountered by flight controllers, including workforce gaps and aging technology. He explained that the circumstances is particularly grave at smaller airports where limited staffing creates further difficulties. Despite the widespread delays, flight data showed that roughly 92% of departures from American airports departed as scheduled as of Tuesday afternoon. The aviation regulator had not activated a "staffing trigger" that would decrease the number of flights in and out of airports, indicating that activities were proceeding despite the difficulties.