🔗 Share this article US Airport Chaos Worsens as Workforce Gaps Escalate 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. Escalating Worries Over Air Travel Network Labor leaders for air traffic controllers and security screeners have warned that the situation is likely to deteriorate, with staffing challenges reported at multiple key airports including facilities in Nashville, Boston, Dallas, Chicago and Philadelphia. "The risk of wider impacts to the American air travel network is growing by the day," stated aviation expert Henry Harteveldt. He expressed serious worry that if the shutdown continues, it could potentially disrupt millions of Americans' Thanksgiving travel plans in November. Flight Delays and Operational Challenges Staffing shortages, featuring an elevated number of employees calling in sick, affected key facilities around New York, Los Angeles and Denver on Monday, causing postponements affecting more than 6,000 flights nationwide. Burbank airport's flight control was temporarily closed and operations were handled by another facility Nashville airport reported postponements averaging 120 minutes due to workforce challenges O'Hare Airport in Chicago showed typical postponements of 41 minutes The DFW airport had delays logged at 30 minutes Industry Response and Union Position The primary air traffic controllers union emphasized that it does not support any coordinated activities that could negatively affect the National Airspace System. The union clarified that air traffic controllers value their duty to protect public safety very seriously and participating in any work stoppage could result in termination of employment. Official Viewpoint The Transportation Department head the transportation official warned that the country's air traffic control system is being harmed from the continuing federal closure. "They're not just 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 operators depend on regular income and are unable to manage prolonged durations without payment. Broader Implications According to contingency planning, roughly 25% of the employees, or over eleven thousand 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 indicated that the closure has emphasized existing challenges encountered by air traffic controllers, including staff shortages and outdated equipment. He explained that the situation is especially serious at smaller airports where limited staffing creates additional challenges. Despite the extensive postponements, flight data showed that roughly 92% of departures from American 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.