🔗 Share this article American Airport Disruption Deepens as Staffing Shortages Intensify During Government Shutdown Passengers across the United States are bracing for growing delays as airport staffing shortages further deteriorate during the current federal government shutdown, now entering its seventh consecutive day. Growing Concerns Over Aviation System Labor leaders for air traffic controllers and security screeners have cautioned that the situation is expected to worsen, with staffing challenges reported at multiple major airports including locations such as Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Nashville and Philadelphia. "The risk of broader effects to the American air travel network continues to increase by the day," stated travel industry analyst Henry Harteveldt. He expressed serious worry that if the shutdown continues, it could possibly interfere with millions of Americans' holiday travel arrangements in November. Travel Disruptions and Operational Issues Workforce gaps, including an elevated number of workers taking sick leave, impacted major airports around New York, Los Angeles and Denver on Monday, resulting in postponements affecting more than 6,000 flights across the country. The Burbank facility's flight control was briefly shut down and operations were handled by another facility Nashville airport experienced postponements averaging 120 minutes due to workforce challenges Chicago's O'Hare showed average delays of 41 minutes The DFW airport experienced delays logged at 30 minutes Industry Response and Union Position The National Air Traffic Controllers Association stressed that it does not endorse any coordinated activities that could negatively affect the national flight network. The union clarified that flight controllers take their responsibility to ensure passenger security extremely earnestly and participating in any job action could result in removal from federal service. Official Viewpoint Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy warned 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 paycheck'?" He noted that many operators depend on regular income and cannot afford extended periods without payment. Broader Implications According to emergency preparations, approximately 25% of the workforce, or over eleven thousand FAA employees, were temporarily laid off when the shutdown began last week. Nevertheless, thirteen thousand flight controllers continue working, with recruitment and instruction also ongoing. Labor leader Nick Daniels indicated that the closure has emphasized existing challenges faced by flight controllers, including staff shortages and outdated equipment. He explained that the situation is particularly grave at regional facilities where reduced personnel creates further difficulties. Despite the widespread delays, flight data indicated that roughly 92% of departures from American airports departed as scheduled as of Tuesday afternoon. The aviation regulator had not issued a "workforce threshold" that would reduce the flight volume in and out of airports, indicating that operations were proceeding despite the difficulties.