🔗 Share this article American Airport Chaos Worsens as Staffing Shortages Escalate During Government Shutdown Travelers across the United States are preparing for growing delays as workforce gaps at airports further deteriorate during the ongoing government closure, now entering its seventh day. Growing Concerns Over Air Travel Network Labor leaders for flight controllers and TSA agents have warned that the situation is likely to deteriorate, with workforce issues documented at several major airports including locations such as 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 voiced serious worry that should the closure persist, it could possibly interfere with millions of Americans' Thanksgiving travel plans in November. Travel Disruptions and Operational Challenges Staffing shortages, including an increased rate of workers taking sick leave, impacted major airports around New York, Los Angeles and Denver on Monday, causing delays for over 6,000 flights nationwide. The Burbank facility's flight control was briefly shut down and responsibilities were managed by another facility Nashville airport experienced delays of approximately two hours due to workforce challenges O'Hare Airport in Chicago showed typical postponements of 41 minutes Dallas-Fort Worth had postponements recorded at 30 minutes Sector Reaction and Union Position 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 clarified that flight controllers value their duty to protect public safety very seriously and participating in any job action could result in removal from federal service. Government Perspective Transportation Secretary 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 flight paths," he remarked regarding air traffic controllers who are working without pay. "They're concerned about, 'Am I going to get a salary'?" The official observed that many controllers depend on regular income and are unable to manage prolonged durations without compensation. Wider Consequences According to emergency preparations, approximately 25% of the workforce, or more than 11,000 aviation administration workers, were temporarily laid off when the shutdown began last week. Nevertheless, 13,000 air traffic controllers continue working, with recruitment and instruction continuing as well. Labor leader Nick Daniels indicated that the shutdown has highlighted existing challenges encountered by flight controllers, including workforce gaps and aging technology. He explained that the situation is especially serious at smaller airports where limited staffing creates further difficulties. Despite the widespread delays, aviation analytics indicated that approximately 92% of flights departing from US airports took off on time as of Tuesday afternoon. The aviation regulator had not activated a "staffing trigger" that would decrease the number of flights in and out of airports, suggesting that activities were continuing despite the challenges.