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Passengers throughout America are preparing for increasing delays as workforce gaps at airports further deteriorate during the ongoing federal government shutdown, now entering its seventh consecutive day.

Growing Concerns Over Aviation System

Union representatives for flight controllers and security screeners have cautioned that the situation is expected to worsen, with staffing challenges documented at multiple key airports including locations such as Nashville, Boston, Dallas, Chicago and Philadelphia.

"The risk of wider impacts to the US aviation system is growing by the day," stated travel industry analyst Henry Harteveldt.

He expressed grave concern that if the shutdown continues, it could possibly interfere with millions of Americans' Thanksgiving travel plans in November.

Travel Disruptions and Operational Issues

Staffing shortages, featuring an increased rate of workers taking sick leave, impacted major airports around Denver, Los Angeles and New York on Monday, causing delays for over 6,000 flights across the country.

• Burbank airport's air traffic control was temporarily closed and operations were handled by another facility
• The Nashville facility experienced postponements averaging 120 minutes due to staffing issues
• O'Hare Airport in Chicago showed average delays of 41 minutes
• Dallas-Fort Worth had delays logged at half an hour

Industry Response and Union Position

The National Air Traffic Controllers Association emphasized that it does not endorse any organized actions that could adversely impact the national flight network.

The union clarified that air traffic controllers value their duty to protect public safety extremely earnestly and engaging in any work stoppage could lead to termination of employment.

Official Viewpoint

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy alerted that the national flight control network is suffering damage 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 thinking about, 'Am I going to get a paycheck'?"

The official noted that many controllers depend on regular income and cannot afford extended periods without payment.

Wider Consequences

According to contingency planning, roughly 25% of the employees, or over eleven thousand FAA employees, were furloughed when the closure started last week.

However, thirteen thousand flight controllers continue working, with recruitment and instruction also ongoing.

Labor leader Nick Daniels pointed out that the closure has emphasized preexisting issues encountered by air traffic controllers, including workforce gaps and aging technology.

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

Despite the widespread delays, aviation analytics indicated that roughly 92% of flights departing from US airports took off on time as of Tuesday afternoon.

The Federal Aviation Administration had not activated a "staffing trigger" that would reduce the number of flights in and out of airports, suggesting that operations were continuing despite the difficulties.