🔗 Share this article American Airport Chaos Deepens as Workforce Gaps Intensify During Federal Closure Passengers across the United States are preparing for growing delays as workforce gaps at airports further deteriorate during the ongoing government closure, now entering its seventh consecutive day. Escalating Worries Over Aviation System Union representatives for flight controllers and security screeners have cautioned that the situation is likely to deteriorate, with workforce issues reported at several major airports including facilities in Nashville, Boston, Dallas, Chicago and Philadelphia. "The risk of wider impacts to the American air travel network continues to increase by the day," commented travel industry analyst Henry Harteveldt. He voiced grave concern that should the closure persist, it could possibly interfere with millions of Americans' holiday travel arrangements in November. Travel Disruptions and Operational Challenges Staffing shortages, featuring an elevated number of workers taking sick leave, impacted key facilities around Denver, Los Angeles and New York on Monday, causing postponements affecting more than 6,000 flights nationwide. Burbank airport's air traffic control was temporarily closed and responsibilities were managed by a different location Nashville airport reported delays of approximately two hours due to staffing issues Chicago's O'Hare recorded typical postponements of 41 minutes The DFW airport had postponements recorded at half an hour Sector Reaction and Labor Stance The National Air Traffic Controllers Association stressed that it does not endorse any organized actions that could negatively affect the national flight network. The organization clarified that air traffic controllers value their duty to protect public safety very seriously and engaging in any work stoppage could lead to removal from federal service. Government Perspective Transportation Secretary the transportation official alerted that the country's air traffic control system is suffering damage from the ongoing government shutdown. "They aren't only thinking about the airspace," he commented regarding flight controllers who are working without pay. "They're concerned about, 'Am I going to get a salary'?" He noted that many controllers live paycheck to paycheck and cannot afford extended periods without payment. Wider Consequences According to contingency planning, roughly 25% of the workforce, or more than 11,000 aviation administration workers, were temporarily laid off when the closure started last week. However, 13,000 air traffic controllers continue working, with hiring and training continuing as well. Union president Nick Daniels pointed out that the closure has highlighted preexisting issues faced by air traffic controllers, including staff shortages and aging technology. He explained that the situation is especially serious at smaller airports where reduced personnel creates additional challenges. Despite the extensive postponements, flight data showed that roughly ninety-two percent of flights departing from US airports took off on time as of Tuesday afternoon. The aviation regulator had not activated a "workforce threshold" that would reduce the number of flights in and out of airports, suggesting that operations were continuing despite the difficulties.