🔗 Share this article US Airport Disruption Worsens as Staffing Shortages Escalate During Government Shutdown Travelers throughout America are preparing for increasing disruptions as workforce gaps at airports continue to worsen during the current federal government shutdown, now entering its seventh day. Escalating Worries Over Aviation System Labor leaders for air traffic controllers and security screeners have warned that the circumstances is expected to worsen, with workforce issues documented at several key airports including facilities in Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Nashville and Philadelphia. "The potential of broader effects to the American air travel network continues to increase by the day," stated aviation expert Henry Harteveldt. He voiced serious worry that if the shutdown continues, it could potentially disrupt countless American holiday travel arrangements in November. Travel Disruptions and Operational Issues Workforce gaps, including an increased rate of employees calling in sick, affected major airports around New York, Los Angeles and Denver on Monday, resulting in delays for over 6,000 flights nationwide. The Burbank facility's air traffic control was briefly shut down and operations were handled by another facility The Nashville facility reported delays of approximately two hours due to staffing issues O'Hare Airport in Chicago showed typical postponements of nearly three-quarters of an hour Dallas-Fort Worth experienced delays logged at half an hour Sector Reaction and Labor Stance 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 clarified that air traffic controllers value their duty to ensure passenger security very seriously and participating in any work stoppage could result in removal from federal service. Official Viewpoint The Transportation Department head the transportation official alerted that the country's air traffic control system is being harmed from the ongoing government shutdown. "They aren't only thinking about the airspace," he remarked regarding flight controllers who are working without pay. "They're thinking about, 'Am I going to get a salary'?" He observed that many operators live paycheck to paycheck and are unable to manage prolonged durations without compensation. Broader Implications Based on emergency preparations, roughly 25% of the workforce, or more than 11,000 aviation administration workers, were temporarily laid off when the shutdown began last week. Nevertheless, thirteen thousand flight controllers remain on duty, with recruitment and instruction continuing as well. Labor leader Nick Daniels pointed out that the shutdown has emphasized preexisting issues encountered by air traffic controllers, including staff shortages and aging technology. He clarified that the situation is particularly grave at smaller airports where reduced personnel creates further difficulties. Despite the widespread delays, aviation analytics showed that approximately 92% 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 flight volume in and out of airports, indicating that operations were continuing despite the challenges.