š Share this article US Airport Disruption Worsens as Workforce Gaps Intensify During Government Shutdown Passengers throughout America are bracing for growing disruptions as workforce gaps at airports further deteriorate during the current federal government shutdown, now entering its seventh consecutive day. Escalating Worries Over Aviation System Union representatives for flight controllers and TSA agents have cautioned that the situation is expected to worsen, with workforce issues reported at several major airports including locations such as Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Nashville and Philadelphia. "The risk of wider impacts to the American air travel network is growing 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. Travel Disruptions and Operational Issues 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 air traffic control was briefly shut down and responsibilities were managed by another facility Nashville airport 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 The DFW airport experienced postponements recorded at 30 minutes Sector Reaction and Union Position The primary air traffic controllers union emphasized that it does not endorse any organized actions that could negatively affect the National Airspace System. The organization clarified that air traffic controllers take their responsibility to protect public safety very seriously and engaging in any job action could result in termination of employment. Government Perspective Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy warned that the country's air traffic control system 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 working without pay. "They're concerned about, 'Am I going to get a paycheck'?" He observed that many controllers depend on regular income and are unable to manage prolonged durations without payment. Wider Consequences According to emergency preparations, roughly 25% of the employees, or over eleven thousand aviation administration workers, were temporarily laid off when the closure started last week. However, thirteen thousand flight controllers continue working, with recruitment and instruction continuing as well. Union president Nick Daniels indicated that the shutdown has emphasized existing challenges encountered by air traffic controllers, including staff shortages and aging technology. He explained that the situation is particularly grave at regional facilities where reduced personnel creates additional challenges. Regardless of the extensive postponements, flight data showed that roughly 92% of departures from American airports departed as scheduled as of Tuesday afternoon. The aviation regulator had not issued a "workforce threshold" that would reduce the flight volume in and out of airports, suggesting that operations were continuing despite the difficulties.