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Passengers throughout America are bracing for increasing delays as airport staffing shortages further deteriorate during the current government closure, now entering its seventh consecutive day.

Growing Concerns Over Aviation System

Labor leaders for air traffic controllers and TSA agents have warned that the situation is expected to worsen, with workforce issues documented at multiple key airports including facilities in Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Nashville and Philadelphia.

"The risk of wider impacts to the US aviation system continues to increase by the day," stated aviation expert Henry Harteveldt.

He voiced serious worry that if the shutdown continues, it could potentially disrupt countless American holiday travel arrangements in November.

Travel Disruptions and Operational Issues

Workforce gaps, including an elevated number of employees calling in sick, affected major airports around New York, Los Angeles and Denver on Monday, resulting in delays for over 6,000 flights nationwide.

• Burbank airport's air traffic control was temporarily closed and operations were handled by a different location
• Nashville airport reported delays of approximately two hours due to staffing issues
• Chicago's O'Hare recorded average delays of nearly three-quarters of an hour
• The DFW airport experienced postponements recorded at 30 minutes

Industry Response and Union Position

The National Air Traffic Controllers Association stressed that it does not endorse any coordinated activities that could negatively affect the National Airspace System.

The union clarified that air traffic controllers take their responsibility to ensure passenger security very seriously and participating in any work stoppage could lead to removal from federal service.

Government Perspective

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

"They aren't only thinking about the airspace," 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 operators live paycheck to paycheck and are unable to manage prolonged durations without payment.

Wider Consequences

According to emergency preparations, approximately a quarter of the workforce, or more than 11,000 aviation administration workers, were temporarily laid off when the shutdown began last week.

However, 13,000 air traffic controllers continue working, with hiring and training also ongoing.

Labor leader Nick Daniels pointed out that the closure has highlighted preexisting issues faced by air traffic controllers, including staff shortages and outdated equipment.

He explained that the situation is particularly grave at regional facilities where reduced personnel creates additional challenges.

Despite the extensive postponements, flight data indicated that roughly 92% of departures from American airports departed as scheduled as of Tuesday afternoon.

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