🔗 Share this article American Airport Chaos Worsens as Staffing Shortages Intensify During Federal Closure Passengers across the United States are preparing for growing disruptions as airport staffing shortages continue to worsen during the ongoing federal government shutdown, now entering its seventh day. Growing Concerns Over Aviation System Union representatives for air traffic controllers and TSA agents have cautioned that the circumstances is likely to deteriorate, with workforce issues documented at several key airports including facilities in Nashville, Boston, Dallas, Chicago and Philadelphia. "The potential 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 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 elevated number of workers taking sick leave, affected major airports around New York, Los Angeles and Denver on Monday, causing postponements affecting more than 6,000 flights across the country. Burbank airport's flight control was temporarily closed and responsibilities were managed by a different location The Nashville facility experienced delays of approximately two hours due to staffing issues O'Hare Airport in Chicago recorded average delays of nearly three-quarters of an hour Dallas-Fort Worth experienced postponements recorded at half an hour Industry Response and Union Position The National Air Traffic Controllers Association emphasized that it does not endorse any coordinated activities that could adversely impact the national flight network. The organization stated that flight controllers take their responsibility to ensure passenger security very seriously and engaging in any job action could lead to removal from federal service. Government Perspective The Transportation Department head the transportation official warned that the country's air traffic control system is suffering damage from the ongoing government shutdown. "They're not just thinking about the airspace," he commented regarding flight controllers who are working without pay. "They're thinking about, 'Am I going to get a salary'?" He noted that many operators live paycheck to paycheck and are unable to manage prolonged durations without compensation. Wider Consequences Based on contingency planning, approximately a quarter of the workforce, or more than 11,000 aviation administration workers, were furloughed when the closure started last week. However, 13,000 air traffic controllers remain on duty, with recruitment and instruction continuing as well. Union president Nick Daniels indicated that the shutdown has emphasized existing challenges encountered by flight controllers, including staff shortages and outdated equipment. He clarified that the situation is particularly grave at smaller airports where reduced personnel creates additional challenges. Despite the widespread delays, aviation analytics indicated that approximately ninety-two percent of flights departing from US 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 challenges.