🔗 Share this article American Airport Chaos Worsens as Staffing Shortages Intensify During Government Shutdown Travelers throughout America are bracing for growing disruptions as workforce gaps at airports continue to worsen during the ongoing federal government shutdown, now entering its seventh consecutive day. Growing Concerns Over Aviation System Union representatives for air traffic controllers and TSA agents have warned that the circumstances is likely to deteriorate, with workforce issues documented at several key airports including locations such as Nashville, Boston, Dallas, Chicago and Philadelphia. "The potential of wider impacts to the US aviation system continues to increase by the day," stated aviation expert Henry Harteveldt. He expressed grave concern that should the closure persist, it could possibly interfere with countless American Thanksgiving travel plans in November. Flight Delays and Operational Issues Staffing shortages, including an increased rate of workers taking sick leave, impacted major airports around New York, Los Angeles and Denver on Monday, resulting in delays for over 6,000 flights across the country. Burbank airport's flight control was briefly shut down and operations were handled by a different location Nashville airport reported 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 had delays logged at half an hour Industry Response 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 flight controllers value their duty to ensure passenger security extremely earnestly and participating in any job action could result in termination of employment. Official Viewpoint The Transportation Department head Sean Duffy alerted that the national flight control network is suffering damage from the ongoing government shutdown. "They're not just thinking about the flight paths," he remarked regarding flight 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 prolonged durations without payment. Broader Implications According to emergency preparations, roughly a quarter of the workforce, or over eleven thousand FAA employees, were temporarily laid off when the closure started last week. However, 13,000 air traffic controllers continue working, with recruitment and instruction continuing as well. Labor leader Nick Daniels indicated that the shutdown has emphasized existing challenges encountered by air traffic controllers, including staff shortages and outdated equipment. He explained that the situation is particularly grave at regional facilities where limited staffing creates additional challenges. Regardless of the widespread delays, aviation analytics indicated that roughly ninety-two percent of flights departing from US airports took off on time as of Tuesday afternoon. The aviation regulator had not issued a "staffing trigger" that would reduce the number of flights in and out of airports, indicating that operations were continuing despite the difficulties.