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Passengers across the United States are preparing for growing delays as workforce gaps at airports continue to worsen during the ongoing federal government shutdown, now entering its seventh day.

Escalating Worries Over Aviation System

Union representatives for flight controllers and security screeners have warned that the circumstances is likely to deteriorate, with workforce issues reported at multiple key airports including facilities in Nashville, Boston, Dallas, Chicago and Philadelphia.

"The potential 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 potentially disrupt countless American holiday travel arrangements in November.

Flight Delays and Operational Challenges

Staffing shortages, including an increased rate of workers taking sick leave, affected major airports around Denver, Los Angeles and New York on Monday, causing postponements affecting more than 6,000 flights across the country.

• Burbank airport's air traffic control was temporarily closed and operations were handled by another facility
• Nashville airport reported postponements averaging 120 minutes due to workforce challenges
• O'Hare Airport in Chicago showed typical postponements of nearly three-quarters of an hour
• 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 adversely impact the National Airspace System.

The organization stated that air traffic controllers take their responsibility to ensure passenger security very seriously and participating in any job action could lead to termination of employment.

Government Perspective

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy alerted 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 working without pay. "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 payment.

Broader Implications

Based on contingency planning, approximately 25% of the employees, or over eleven thousand FAA employees, were furloughed when the shutdown began last week.

However, 13,000 air traffic controllers continue working, with recruitment and instruction also ongoing.

Union president Nick Daniels indicated that the closure has emphasized preexisting issues faced by air traffic controllers, including staff shortages and aging technology.

He explained that the situation is especially serious at regional facilities where limited staffing creates additional challenges.

Despite the widespread delays, aviation analytics showed that roughly 92% of departures from American airports departed as scheduled as of Tuesday afternoon.

The aviation regulator had not activated a "staffing trigger" that would reduce the number of flights in and out of airports, suggesting that operations were proceeding despite the challenges.