🔗 Share this article US Airport Chaos Deepens as Staffing Shortages Intensify During Government Shutdown Travelers throughout America are bracing for increasing delays as airport staffing shortages continue to worsen during the ongoing government closure, now reaching its seventh day. Growing Concerns Over Air Travel Network Union representatives for flight controllers and TSA agents have warned that the circumstances is likely to deteriorate, with workforce issues reported at multiple key airports including facilities in Nashville, Boston, Dallas, Chicago and Philadelphia. "The potential of wider impacts to the US aviation system is growing by the day," commented travel industry analyst Henry Harteveldt. He voiced grave concern that should the closure persist, it could possibly interfere with countless American Thanksgiving travel plans in November. Flight Delays and Operational Challenges Workforce gaps, including an elevated number of workers taking sick leave, affected key facilities around New York, Los Angeles and Denver on Monday, resulting in delays for over 6,000 flights across the country. The Burbank facility's air traffic control was temporarily closed and operations were handled by a different location The Nashville facility reported postponements averaging 120 minutes due to workforce challenges Chicago's O'Hare recorded typical postponements of nearly three-quarters of an hour The DFW airport experienced delays logged at half an hour Industry Response and Union Position The National Air Traffic Controllers Association emphasized that it does not support any coordinated activities that could negatively affect the National Airspace System. The union stated that air traffic controllers take their responsibility to protect public safety very seriously and engaging in any job action could result in termination of employment. Official Viewpoint The Transportation Department head the transportation official alerted that the national flight control network is being harmed from the continuing federal closure. "They're not just thinking about the airspace," he commented regarding air traffic controllers who are not receiving salaries. "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 payment. Broader Implications According to emergency preparations, approximately a quarter of the employees, or over eleven thousand aviation administration workers, were temporarily laid off when the closure started last week. Nevertheless, thirteen thousand flight controllers continue working, with hiring and training continuing as well. Labor leader Nick Daniels pointed out that the shutdown has emphasized preexisting issues encountered by air traffic controllers, including workforce gaps and aging technology. He explained that the circumstances is particularly grave at regional facilities where limited staffing creates additional challenges. Regardless of the extensive postponements, aviation analytics showed that approximately ninety-two percent of flights departing from US airports took off on time as of Tuesday afternoon. The aviation regulator had not issued a "staffing trigger" that would decrease the flight volume in and out of airports, suggesting that activities were continuing despite the difficulties.