🔗 Share this article US Airport Disruption Deepens as Staffing Shortages Intensify During Federal Closure Travelers throughout America are preparing for increasing disruptions as airport staffing shortages continue to worsen during the ongoing government closure, now entering its seventh consecutive day. Growing Concerns Over Aviation System Union representatives for air traffic controllers and TSA agents have warned that the circumstances is expected to worsen, with workforce issues documented at several key airports including locations such as Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Nashville and Philadelphia. "The potential of broader effects to the US aviation system continues to increase by the day," commented travel industry analyst Henry Harteveldt. He expressed grave concern that if the shutdown continues, it could potentially disrupt countless American Thanksgiving travel plans in November. Flight Delays and Operational Issues Staffing shortages, featuring an elevated number of employees calling in sick, impacted key facilities around New York, Los Angeles and Denver on Monday, causing delays for over 6,000 flights nationwide. Burbank airport's flight control was briefly shut down and responsibilities were managed by a different location Nashville airport experienced delays of approximately two hours due to workforce challenges O'Hare Airport in Chicago showed average delays of nearly three-quarters of an hour The DFW airport experienced delays logged at half an hour Sector Reaction and Labor Stance The primary air traffic controllers union emphasized that it does not support any coordinated activities that could adversely impact the National Airspace System. The organization stated that flight controllers value their duty to ensure passenger security very seriously and participating 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 continuing federal closure. "They aren't only thinking about the flight paths," he commented regarding flight controllers who are not receiving salaries. "They're thinking about, 'Am I going to get a paycheck'?" He observed that many operators live paycheck to paycheck and are unable to manage extended periods without compensation. Broader Implications Based on emergency preparations, approximately a quarter of the employees, or more than 11,000 FAA employees, were furloughed when the closure started last week. However, thirteen thousand flight controllers continue working, with hiring and training also ongoing. Labor leader Nick Daniels indicated that the shutdown has emphasized preexisting issues encountered by air traffic controllers, including workforce gaps and aging technology. He clarified that the situation is especially serious at smaller airports where limited staffing creates additional challenges. Regardless of the widespread delays, flight data showed that roughly 92% of departures from American airports departed as scheduled as of Tuesday afternoon. The Federal Aviation Administration had not issued a "staffing trigger" that would reduce the flight volume in and out of airports, indicating that activities were proceeding despite the difficulties.