🔗 Share this article US Airport Chaos Deepens as Workforce Gaps Escalate During Federal Closure Travelers across the United States are preparing for growing delays as airport staffing shortages further deteriorate during the ongoing federal government shutdown, now entering its seventh day. Escalating Worries Over Air Travel Network Labor leaders for flight controllers and TSA agents have cautioned that the circumstances is likely to deteriorate, with staffing challenges documented at multiple key airports including facilities in Nashville, Boston, Dallas, Chicago and Philadelphia. "The potential of wider impacts to the American air travel network continues to increase by the day," stated travel industry analyst Henry Harteveldt. He expressed grave concern that should the closure persist, it could potentially disrupt millions of Americans' Thanksgiving travel plans in November. Travel Disruptions and Operational Issues Staffing shortages, featuring an elevated number of employees calling in sick, impacted key facilities around Denver, Los Angeles and New York on Monday, causing delays for over 6,000 flights nationwide. Burbank airport's air traffic control was temporarily closed and operations were handled by a different location Nashville airport experienced postponements averaging 120 minutes due to staffing issues Chicago's O'Hare showed typical postponements of 41 minutes Dallas-Fort Worth experienced postponements recorded at half an hour Industry Response and Union Position The primary air traffic controllers union stressed that it does not endorse any organized actions that could negatively affect the national flight network. The organization stated that air traffic controllers take their responsibility to ensure passenger security very seriously and engaging in any work stoppage could result in termination of employment. Official Viewpoint Transportation Secretary the transportation official alerted that the country's air traffic control system is being harmed from the ongoing government shutdown. "They're not just thinking about the flight paths," he remarked 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 live paycheck to paycheck and are unable to manage extended periods without payment. Wider Consequences Based on emergency preparations, approximately a quarter of the workforce, or more than 11,000 FAA employees, were furloughed when the closure started last week. Nevertheless, 13,000 air traffic controllers remain on duty, with recruitment and instruction also ongoing. Union president Nick Daniels indicated that the shutdown has emphasized existing challenges encountered by flight controllers, including staff shortages and aging technology. He clarified that the situation is particularly grave at smaller airports where limited staffing creates additional challenges. Regardless of the extensive postponements, aviation analytics indicated that approximately 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 reduce the number of flights in and out of airports, indicating that activities were proceeding despite the difficulties.