🔗 Share this article US Airport Chaos Worsens as Staffing Shortages Intensify During Federal Closure Travelers across the United States are preparing for increasing disruptions as workforce gaps at airports further deteriorate during the ongoing federal government shutdown, now entering its seventh consecutive day. Escalating Worries Over Aviation System Labor leaders for flight controllers and TSA agents have warned that the situation is expected to worsen, with workforce issues reported at multiple key airports including locations such as Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Nashville and Philadelphia. "The potential of broader effects to the American air travel network continues to increase by the day," commented travel industry analyst Henry Harteveldt. He expressed grave concern that should the closure persist, it could potentially disrupt countless American holiday travel arrangements in November. Travel Disruptions and Operational Issues Workforce gaps, including an elevated number of employees calling in sick, impacted key facilities around New York, Los Angeles and Denver on Monday, resulting in delays for over 6,000 flights nationwide. The Burbank facility's flight control was briefly shut down and responsibilities were managed by a different location Nashville airport reported delays of approximately two hours due to workforce challenges Chicago's O'Hare recorded average delays of nearly three-quarters of an hour The DFW airport experienced delays logged at 30 minutes Sector Reaction and Union Position The primary air traffic controllers union emphasized that it does not endorse any organized actions that could negatively affect the national flight network. The organization stated that flight controllers value their duty to protect public safety extremely earnestly and participating in any work stoppage could lead to 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're not just thinking about the airspace," he remarked regarding flight controllers who are working without pay. "They're thinking about, 'Am I going to get a salary'?" The official noted that many operators depend on regular income and are unable to manage prolonged durations without payment. Wider Consequences Based on emergency preparations, roughly 25% of the workforce, or over eleven thousand aviation administration workers, were furloughed when the shutdown began last week. Nevertheless, thirteen thousand flight controllers continue working, with recruitment and instruction also ongoing. Labor leader Nick Daniels pointed out that the shutdown has emphasized existing challenges faced by flight controllers, including staff shortages and aging technology. He clarified that the circumstances is particularly grave at regional facilities where reduced personnel creates additional challenges. Regardless of the extensive postponements, aviation analytics showed that roughly 92% of departures from American airports departed as scheduled as of Tuesday afternoon. The Federal Aviation Administration had not activated a "staffing trigger" that would reduce the flight volume in and out of airports, indicating that operations were continuing despite the challenges.