🔗 Share this article American Airport Chaos Worsens as Staffing Shortages Escalate During Federal Closure Passengers throughout America are preparing for increasing disruptions as workforce gaps at airports further deteriorate during the current federal government shutdown, now entering its seventh day. Growing Concerns Over Aviation System Labor leaders for flight controllers and TSA agents have cautioned that the circumstances is likely to deteriorate, with workforce issues reported at multiple key airports including locations such as Nashville, Boston, Dallas, Chicago and Philadelphia. "The risk of wider impacts to the American air travel network is growing by the day," stated aviation expert Henry Harteveldt. He expressed grave concern that if the shutdown continues, it could possibly interfere with countless American Thanksgiving travel plans in November. Travel Disruptions and Operational Issues Workforce gaps, featuring an increased rate of workers taking sick leave, affected major airports around New York, Los Angeles and Denver on Monday, resulting in postponements affecting more than 6,000 flights across the country. The Burbank facility's flight control was temporarily closed and operations were handled by a different location Nashville airport experienced postponements averaging 120 minutes due to staffing issues Chicago's O'Hare recorded typical postponements of 41 minutes The DFW airport experienced delays logged at half an hour Industry Response and Labor Stance The primary air traffic controllers union emphasized that it does not endorse any organized actions that could negatively affect the national flight network. The organization clarified that flight controllers value their duty to ensure passenger security very seriously and participating in any job action could lead to removal from federal service. Government Perspective Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy warned 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 salary'?" He noted that many controllers depend on regular income and are unable to manage extended periods without payment. Wider Consequences Based on emergency preparations, approximately 25% of the employees, or more than 11,000 aviation administration workers, were furloughed when the shutdown began last week. Nevertheless, 13,000 air traffic controllers remain on duty, with recruitment and instruction also ongoing. Labor leader Nick Daniels pointed out that the closure has highlighted existing challenges faced by flight controllers, including staff shortages and outdated equipment. He explained that the situation is particularly grave at regional facilities where limited staffing creates further difficulties. Despite the extensive postponements, aviation analytics showed that roughly ninety-two percent of flights departing from US airports took off on time as of Tuesday afternoon. The Federal Aviation Administration had not issued a "workforce threshold" that would reduce the flight volume in and out of airports, indicating that activities were proceeding despite the challenges.