🔗 Share this article US Airport Disruption Deepens as Staffing Shortages Escalate During Government Shutdown Passengers across the United States are preparing for increasing disruptions as airport staffing shortages continue to worsen during the current federal government shutdown, now reaching its seventh day. Escalating Worries Over Aviation System Union representatives for air traffic controllers and security screeners have warned that the situation is expected to worsen, with staffing challenges reported at multiple key airports including facilities in Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Nashville and Philadelphia. "The risk of wider impacts to the US aviation system is growing by the day," stated aviation expert 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 Workforce gaps, including an increased rate of workers taking sick leave, impacted key facilities around New York, Los Angeles and Denver on Monday, causing postponements affecting more than 6,000 flights across the country. The Burbank facility's air traffic control was temporarily closed and responsibilities were managed by a different location Nashville airport experienced postponements averaging 120 minutes due to workforce challenges O'Hare Airport in Chicago recorded typical postponements of nearly three-quarters of an hour Dallas-Fort Worth experienced delays logged at 30 minutes Sector Reaction and Labor Stance The National Air Traffic Controllers Association emphasized that it does not support any organized actions that could negatively affect the national flight network. The organization stated that flight controllers value their duty to ensure passenger security extremely earnestly and engaging in any job action could result in removal from federal service. Government Perspective Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy alerted that the national flight control network is being harmed from the continuing federal closure. "They're not just thinking about the flight paths," he remarked regarding flight controllers who are not receiving salaries. "They're thinking about, 'Am I going to get a salary'?" The official observed that many operators live paycheck to paycheck and cannot afford extended periods without payment. Wider Consequences Based on contingency planning, roughly 25% of the employees, or over eleven thousand aviation administration workers, were furloughed when the shutdown began last week. Nevertheless, 13,000 air traffic controllers continue working, with recruitment and instruction also ongoing. Labor leader Nick Daniels pointed out that the closure has emphasized existing challenges faced by flight controllers, including workforce gaps and outdated equipment. He clarified that the situation is particularly grave at smaller airports where limited staffing creates further difficulties. Regardless of the widespread delays, aviation analytics indicated that approximately ninety-two percent of departures from American airports took off on time as of Tuesday afternoon. The aviation regulator had not activated a "staffing trigger" that would reduce the flight volume in and out of airports, suggesting that operations were proceeding despite the difficulties.