🔗 Share this article American Airport Disruption Worsens as Staffing Shortages Intensify During Federal Closure Travelers across the United States are preparing for increasing delays as airport staffing shortages continue to worsen during the current government closure, now reaching its seventh day. Growing Concerns Over Air Travel Network Labor leaders for flight controllers and security screeners have warned that the situation is likely to deteriorate, with staffing challenges reported at multiple major airports including locations such as Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Nashville and Philadelphia. "The risk of broader effects to the US aviation system is growing by the day," stated travel industry analyst Henry Harteveldt. He voiced serious worry that should the closure persist, it could possibly interfere with millions of Americans' Thanksgiving travel plans in November. Travel Disruptions and Operational Challenges Staffing shortages, featuring an elevated number of employees calling in sick, impacted major airports around Denver, Los Angeles and New York on Monday, resulting in postponements affecting more than 6,000 flights across the country. The Burbank facility's flight control was briefly shut down and responsibilities were managed by another facility The Nashville facility experienced postponements averaging 120 minutes due to staffing issues O'Hare Airport in Chicago showed 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 adversely impact the National Airspace System. The organization stated that air traffic controllers value their duty to ensure passenger security very seriously and engaging in any job action could lead to termination of employment. Government Perspective The Transportation Department head the transportation official alerted that the national flight control network is suffering damage from the ongoing government shutdown. "They aren't only thinking about the airspace," he commented regarding air traffic controllers who are not receiving salaries. "They're thinking about, 'Am I going to get a paycheck'?" The official noted that many operators live paycheck to paycheck and cannot afford extended periods without payment. Broader Implications 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 continue working, with recruitment and instruction also ongoing. Labor leader Nick Daniels indicated that the closure has highlighted existing challenges encountered by flight controllers, including staff shortages and outdated equipment. He explained that the situation is particularly grave at regional facilities where reduced personnel creates further difficulties. Despite the extensive postponements, flight data showed that roughly 92% of departures from American airports took off on time as of Tuesday afternoon. The aviation regulator had not activated a "workforce threshold" that would reduce the number of flights in and out of airports, indicating that activities were continuing despite the difficulties.