🔗 Share this article US Airport Disruption Deepens as Staffing Shortages Intensify During Federal Closure Passengers across the United States are bracing for increasing disruptions as workforce gaps at airports continue to worsen during the ongoing federal government shutdown, now entering its seventh day. Growing Concerns Over Aviation System Labor leaders for flight controllers and TSA agents have cautioned that the situation is likely to deteriorate, with staffing challenges documented at several key airports including facilities in Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Nashville and Philadelphia. "The risk of broader effects to the US aviation system continues to increase by the day," commented aviation expert Henry Harteveldt. He expressed grave concern that if the shutdown continues, it could possibly interfere with countless American Thanksgiving travel plans in November. Travel Disruptions and Operational Challenges Staffing shortages, featuring an increased rate of workers taking sick leave, affected key facilities around New York, Los Angeles and Denver on Monday, causing postponements affecting more than 6,000 flights across the country. The Burbank facility's air traffic control was temporarily closed 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 41 minutes Dallas-Fort Worth had postponements recorded at half an hour Sector Reaction and Union Position The National Air Traffic Controllers Association stressed that it does not endorse any coordinated activities that could adversely impact the national flight network. The organization clarified that flight controllers value their duty to ensure passenger security extremely earnestly and participating in any job action could lead to termination of employment. Official Viewpoint Transportation Secretary the transportation official warned that the country's air traffic control system is being harmed from the continuing federal closure. "They aren't only thinking about the flight paths," he remarked regarding air traffic controllers who are working without pay. "They're concerned about, 'Am I going to get a salary'?" The official observed that many controllers depend on regular income and cannot afford extended periods without compensation. 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 shutdown began last week. However, 13,000 air traffic controllers continue working, with recruitment and instruction continuing as well. Labor leader Nick Daniels indicated that the shutdown has emphasized preexisting issues faced by air traffic controllers, including staff shortages and aging technology. He clarified that the situation is particularly grave at regional facilities where limited staffing creates further difficulties. Despite the extensive postponements, aviation analytics showed that roughly ninety-two percent of departures from American airports took off on time 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, suggesting that operations were proceeding despite the challenges.