🔗 Share this article American Airport Chaos Deepens as Staffing Shortages Intensify During Government Shutdown Travelers throughout America are preparing for increasing delays as workforce gaps at airports further deteriorate during the ongoing government closure, now reaching its seventh consecutive day. Growing Concerns Over Air Travel Network Labor leaders for air traffic controllers and TSA agents have cautioned that the circumstances is expected to worsen, with staffing challenges documented at multiple key airports including facilities in Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Nashville and Philadelphia. "The potential of wider impacts to the US aviation system is growing by the day," stated aviation expert Henry Harteveldt. He voiced grave concern that if the shutdown continues, it could potentially disrupt countless American holiday travel arrangements in November. Travel Disruptions and Operational Issues Staffing shortages, including an elevated number of workers taking sick leave, impacted 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 reported delays of approximately two hours due to workforce challenges Chicago's O'Hare showed typical postponements of 41 minutes The DFW airport had postponements recorded at half an hour 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 Airspace System. The union stated that air traffic controllers take their responsibility to protect public safety extremely earnestly and engaging in any work stoppage could result in removal from federal service. Government Perspective The Transportation Department head the transportation official alerted that the country's air traffic control system is being harmed from the continuing federal closure. "They aren't only thinking about the airspace," he remarked regarding air traffic controllers who are not receiving salaries. "They're concerned about, 'Am I going to get a salary'?" He noted that many operators live paycheck to paycheck and cannot afford prolonged durations without compensation. Broader Implications According to emergency preparations, approximately a quarter of the workforce, or over eleven thousand FAA employees, were temporarily laid off when the shutdown began last week. However, thirteen thousand flight controllers remain on duty, with recruitment and instruction continuing as well. Labor leader Nick Daniels pointed out that the closure has emphasized preexisting issues encountered by flight controllers, including workforce gaps and outdated equipment. He clarified that the circumstances is particularly grave at smaller airports where reduced personnel creates further difficulties. Despite the widespread delays, aviation analytics showed that roughly 92% 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 flight volume in and out of airports, indicating that activities were continuing despite the difficulties.