🔗 Share this article American Airport Disruption Deepens as Staffing Shortages Escalate During Government Shutdown Passengers across the United States are bracing for growing disruptions as airport staffing shortages continue to worsen during the current federal government shutdown, now entering its seventh day. Escalating Worries Over Aviation System Union representatives for flight controllers and TSA agents have warned that the circumstances is likely to deteriorate, with staffing challenges documented at several key airports including facilities in Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Nashville and Philadelphia. "The potential of wider impacts to the American air travel network continues to increase by the day," commented aviation expert Henry Harteveldt. He expressed serious worry that should the closure persist, it could possibly interfere with countless American Thanksgiving travel plans in November. Flight Delays and Operational Issues Staffing shortages, including an increased rate of employees calling in sick, affected major airports around Denver, Los Angeles and New York on Monday, resulting in delays for over 6,000 flights across the country. The Burbank facility's flight control was briefly shut down and responsibilities were managed by a different location Nashville airport experienced postponements averaging 120 minutes due to staffing issues O'Hare Airport in Chicago recorded typical postponements of 41 minutes Dallas-Fort Worth had postponements recorded at 30 minutes Industry Response and Labor Stance The National Air Traffic Controllers Association emphasized that it does not support any organized actions that could adversely impact the National Airspace System. The union clarified that flight controllers take their responsibility to ensure passenger security extremely earnestly and engaging in any work stoppage could result in termination of employment. Official Viewpoint Transportation Secretary the transportation official warned that the national flight control network is suffering damage from the continuing federal closure. "They're not just thinking about the flight paths," he commented regarding flight controllers who are working without pay. "They're thinking about, 'Am I going to get a salary'?" The official observed that many controllers depend on regular income and cannot afford prolonged durations without payment. Wider Consequences According to emergency preparations, approximately a quarter of the employees, or more than 11,000 aviation administration workers, were furloughed when the shutdown began last week. Nevertheless, thirteen thousand flight controllers remain on duty, with recruitment and instruction also ongoing. Union president Nick Daniels pointed out that the shutdown has emphasized existing challenges encountered by air traffic controllers, including staff shortages and aging technology. He clarified that the situation is especially serious at regional facilities where limited staffing creates additional challenges. Despite the widespread delays, flight data showed that roughly ninety-two percent of departures from American airports departed as scheduled as of Tuesday afternoon. The Federal Aviation Administration had not issued a "workforce threshold" that would reduce the number of flights in and out of airports, suggesting that activities were proceeding despite the challenges.