🔗 Share this article American Airport Chaos Deepens as Staffing Shortages Intensify During Federal Closure Passengers across the United States are preparing for increasing disruptions as workforce gaps at airports further deteriorate during the ongoing government closure, now entering its seventh day. Escalating Worries Over Aviation System Labor leaders for air traffic controllers and TSA agents have cautioned that the situation is expected to worsen, with workforce issues reported at multiple major airports including locations such as Nashville, Boston, Dallas, Chicago and Philadelphia. "The potential of broader effects to the US aviation system is growing by the day," stated aviation expert Henry Harteveldt. He voiced serious worry that should the closure persist, it could possibly interfere with millions of Americans' holiday travel arrangements in November. Flight Delays and Operational Challenges Workforce gaps, featuring an increased rate of employees calling in sick, affected key facilities around Denver, Los Angeles and New York on Monday, causing delays for over 6,000 flights across the country. The Burbank facility's air traffic control was temporarily closed and responsibilities were managed by a different location The Nashville facility experienced postponements averaging 120 minutes due to staffing issues O'Hare Airport in Chicago recorded average delays of nearly three-quarters of an hour The DFW airport experienced delays logged at half an hour Industry Response and Labor Stance The National Air Traffic Controllers Association stressed that it does not support any coordinated activities that could adversely impact the national flight network. The organization stated that air traffic controllers take their responsibility to protect public safety extremely earnestly and participating in any job action could lead to removal from federal service. Official Viewpoint The Transportation Department head Sean Duffy alerted that the national flight control network is being harmed from the continuing federal closure. "They aren't only thinking about the flight paths," he commented regarding air traffic controllers who are not receiving salaries. "They're thinking about, 'Am I going to get a paycheck'?" He observed that many controllers live paycheck to paycheck and cannot afford prolonged durations without compensation. Wider Consequences Based on contingency planning, approximately a quarter of the workforce, or more than 11,000 FAA employees, were furloughed when the shutdown began last week. Nevertheless, 13,000 air traffic controllers remain on duty, with recruitment and instruction also ongoing. Union president Nick Daniels pointed out that the shutdown has highlighted preexisting issues encountered by flight controllers, including staff shortages and outdated equipment. He clarified that the situation is particularly grave at regional facilities where reduced personnel creates further difficulties. Regardless of the widespread delays, flight data showed that approximately 92% of departures from American airports took off on time as of Tuesday afternoon. The aviation regulator had not issued a "staffing trigger" that would reduce the flight volume in and out of airports, suggesting that operations were proceeding despite the difficulties.