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Travelers across the United States are bracing for increasing disruptions as airport staffing shortages continue to worsen during the ongoing federal government shutdown, now reaching its seventh day.

Growing Concerns Over Air Travel Network

Union representatives for air traffic controllers and security screeners have cautioned that the circumstances is likely to deteriorate, with staffing challenges documented at multiple major airports including locations such as Nashville, Boston, Dallas, Chicago and Philadelphia.

"The risk of broader effects to the American air travel network continues to increase by the day," commented aviation expert Henry Harteveldt.

He voiced grave concern that if the shutdown continues, it could possibly interfere with countless American holiday travel arrangements in November.

Flight Delays and Operational Issues

Workforce gaps, featuring an increased rate of workers taking sick leave, affected key facilities around New York, Los Angeles and Denver on Monday, causing delays for over 6,000 flights nationwide.

• Burbank airport's air traffic control was temporarily closed and responsibilities were managed by a different location
• Nashville airport experienced delays of approximately two hours due to workforce challenges
• O'Hare Airport in Chicago recorded average delays of 41 minutes
• Dallas-Fort Worth experienced postponements recorded at half an hour

Industry Response and Union Position

The primary air traffic controllers union emphasized that it does not support any coordinated activities that could negatively affect the National Airspace System.

The union clarified that air traffic controllers value their duty to ensure passenger security very seriously and engaging in any job action could result in removal from federal service.

Government Perspective

The Transportation Department head the transportation official alerted that the national flight control network is being harmed from the ongoing government shutdown.

"They aren't only thinking about the flight paths," he commented regarding flight controllers who are not receiving salaries. "They're concerned about, 'Am I going to get a salary'?"

The official noted that many operators depend on regular income and cannot afford prolonged durations without compensation.

Broader Implications

Based on contingency planning, roughly a quarter of the employees, or more than 11,000 aviation administration workers, were temporarily laid off when the closure started last week.

However, thirteen thousand flight controllers continue working, with hiring and training continuing as well.

Union president Nick Daniels pointed out that the shutdown has emphasized existing challenges encountered by flight controllers, including staff shortages and aging technology.

He clarified that the situation is particularly grave at smaller airports where reduced personnel creates additional challenges.

Despite the extensive postponements, aviation analytics showed that roughly 92% of flights departing from US airports departed as scheduled as of Tuesday afternoon.

The Federal Aviation Administration had not issued a "staffing trigger" that would decrease the number of flights in and out of airports, indicating that activities were proceeding despite the difficulties.