đź”— Share this article American Airport Chaos Deepens as Workforce Gaps Intensify During Government Shutdown Passengers across the United States are preparing for increasing delays as workforce gaps at airports further deteriorate during the current federal government shutdown, now reaching its seventh consecutive day. Escalating Worries Over Air Travel Network Labor leaders for flight controllers and TSA agents have cautioned that the circumstances is expected to worsen, with staffing challenges documented at multiple major airports including locations such as Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Nashville and Philadelphia. "The risk of wider impacts to the American air travel network is growing by the day," commented travel industry analyst Henry Harteveldt. He expressed grave concern that if the shutdown continues, it could possibly interfere with millions of Americans' holiday travel arrangements in November. Travel Disruptions and Operational Challenges Workforce gaps, including an increased rate of workers taking sick leave, affected major airports around New York, Los Angeles and Denver on Monday, resulting in postponements affecting more than 6,000 flights across the country. Burbank airport's flight control was temporarily closed and operations were handled by a different location Nashville airport experienced delays of approximately two hours due to staffing issues O'Hare Airport in Chicago recorded average delays of 41 minutes The DFW airport experienced postponements recorded at half an hour Sector Reaction and Union Position The National Air Traffic Controllers Association emphasized that it does not support any organized actions that could adversely impact the national flight network. The organization clarified that air traffic controllers value their duty to protect public safety extremely earnestly and engaging in any work stoppage could lead to termination of employment. Official Viewpoint Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy alerted 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 commented regarding air traffic controllers who are not receiving salaries. "They're thinking about, 'Am I going to get a salary'?" The official observed that many controllers live paycheck to paycheck and are unable to manage extended periods without payment. Wider Consequences According to emergency preparations, approximately a quarter of the employees, or more than 11,000 aviation administration workers, were temporarily laid off when the closure started last week. Nevertheless, 13,000 air traffic controllers remain on duty, with hiring and training also ongoing. Labor leader Nick Daniels indicated that the closure has highlighted existing challenges encountered by air traffic controllers, including staff shortages and outdated equipment. He explained that the circumstances is especially serious at smaller airports where limited staffing creates further difficulties. Despite the widespread delays, aviation analytics showed that roughly ninety-two percent of flights departing from US 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 operations were continuing despite the difficulties.