🔗 Share this article US Airport Disruption Worsens as Staffing Shortages Intensify During Government Shutdown Travelers across the United States are preparing for growing disruptions as workforce gaps at airports further deteriorate during the ongoing federal government shutdown, now reaching its seventh day. Escalating Worries Over Air Travel Network Labor leaders for flight controllers and security screeners have warned that the circumstances 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 continues to increase by the day," commented aviation expert Henry Harteveldt. He voiced serious worry that should the closure persist, it could possibly interfere with countless American holiday travel arrangements in November. Travel Disruptions and Operational Challenges Staffing shortages, including an increased rate of employees calling in sick, impacted key facilities around New York, Los Angeles and Denver on Monday, causing 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 The Nashville facility reported delays of approximately two hours due to workforce challenges O'Hare Airport in Chicago recorded typical postponements of nearly three-quarters of an hour The DFW airport experienced postponements recorded at half an hour Industry Response and Union Position The National Air Traffic Controllers Association 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 job action could result in removal from federal service. Official Viewpoint The Transportation Department head Sean Duffy 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 commented regarding flight controllers who are not receiving salaries. "They're thinking about, 'Am I going to get a salary'?" The official observed that many operators depend on regular income and cannot afford prolonged durations without compensation. Broader Implications According to contingency planning, approximately a quarter of the workforce, or more than 11,000 aviation administration workers, were temporarily laid off when the shutdown began last week. Nevertheless, thirteen thousand flight controllers remain on duty, with recruitment and instruction continuing as well. Labor leader Nick Daniels indicated that the closure has emphasized preexisting issues encountered by air traffic controllers, including workforce gaps and aging technology. He clarified that the situation is especially serious at smaller airports where limited staffing creates additional challenges. Despite the extensive postponements, aviation analytics showed that roughly ninety-two percent of departures from American airports departed as scheduled as of Tuesday afternoon. The aviation regulator had not issued a "staffing trigger" that would decrease the number of flights in and out of airports, suggesting that activities were proceeding despite the difficulties.