🔗 Share this article American Airport Chaos Deepens as Staffing Shortages Escalate During Federal Closure Travelers across the United States are preparing for growing disruptions as airport staffing shortages further deteriorate during the current government closure, now entering its seventh consecutive day. Growing Concerns Over Air Travel Network Labor leaders for flight controllers and TSA agents have warned that the situation is expected to worsen, with staffing challenges reported at multiple key airports including facilities in Nashville, Boston, Dallas, Chicago and Philadelphia. "The potential of broader effects to the US aviation system is growing by the day," commented travel industry analyst Henry Harteveldt. He expressed grave concern that if the shutdown continues, it could potentially disrupt millions of Americans' Thanksgiving travel plans in November. Travel Disruptions and Operational Challenges Staffing shortages, featuring an elevated number of employees calling in sick, affected key facilities around Denver, Los Angeles and New York on Monday, causing postponements affecting more than 6,000 flights nationwide. The Burbank facility's flight control was briefly shut down and operations were handled by another facility Nashville airport experienced delays of approximately two hours due to workforce challenges Chicago's O'Hare showed typical postponements of 41 minutes The DFW airport had postponements recorded at half an hour Industry Response and Union Position The primary air traffic controllers union emphasized that it does not endorse any coordinated activities that could adversely impact the National Airspace System. The organization stated that air traffic controllers value their duty to protect public safety extremely earnestly and engaging in any work stoppage could lead to removal from federal service. Official Viewpoint The Transportation Department head Sean Duffy warned that the country's air traffic control system is suffering damage from the ongoing government shutdown. "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 paycheck'?" He noted that many controllers depend on regular income and cannot afford extended periods without payment. Wider Consequences According to emergency preparations, approximately 25% of the workforce, or over eleven thousand aviation administration workers, were furloughed when the closure started last week. Nevertheless, thirteen thousand flight controllers continue working, with recruitment and instruction continuing as well. Union president Nick Daniels indicated that the shutdown has emphasized preexisting issues encountered by air traffic controllers, including workforce gaps and outdated equipment. He explained that the circumstances is particularly grave at smaller airports where reduced personnel creates further difficulties. Regardless of the extensive postponements, aviation analytics indicated that roughly 92% of flights departing from US airports took off on time as of Tuesday afternoon. The aviation regulator had not issued a "workforce threshold" that would reduce the flight volume in and out of airports, suggesting that activities were proceeding despite the difficulties.