🔗 Share this article US Airport Chaos Deepens as Workforce Gaps Escalate During Federal Closure Passengers throughout America are preparing for increasing delays as workforce gaps at airports continue to worsen during the ongoing federal government shutdown, now reaching its seventh day. Escalating Worries Over Air Travel Network Union representatives for flight controllers and security screeners have cautioned that the situation is likely to deteriorate, with staffing challenges documented at multiple major airports including locations such as Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Nashville and Philadelphia. "The potential of wider impacts to the American air travel network continues to increase by the day," stated travel industry analyst 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 Challenges Staffing shortages, featuring an elevated number of workers taking sick leave, affected key facilities around Denver, Los Angeles and New York on Monday, causing postponements affecting more than 6,000 flights nationwide. The Burbank facility's flight control was temporarily closed and responsibilities were managed by a different location The Nashville facility reported delays of approximately two hours due to workforce challenges O'Hare Airport in Chicago recorded typical postponements of nearly three-quarters of an hour The DFW airport experienced delays logged at 30 minutes Industry Response and Labor Stance The primary air traffic controllers union stressed that it does not endorse any coordinated activities that could adversely impact the National Airspace System. The union stated that flight controllers take their responsibility to protect public safety extremely earnestly and engaging in any work stoppage could lead to termination of employment. Official Viewpoint The Transportation Department head the transportation official 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 flight controllers who are working without pay. "They're thinking about, 'Am I going to get a paycheck'?" He observed that many operators live paycheck to paycheck and are unable to manage extended periods without payment. Broader Implications According to contingency planning, approximately 25% of the employees, or over eleven thousand FAA employees, were temporarily laid off when the shutdown began last week. However, 13,000 air traffic controllers remain on duty, with recruitment and instruction continuing as well. Union president Nick Daniels indicated that the closure has emphasized preexisting issues encountered by flight controllers, including workforce gaps and aging technology. He explained that the situation is particularly grave at smaller airports where limited staffing creates further difficulties. Despite the extensive postponements, aviation analytics showed that approximately 92% of departures from American airports departed as scheduled as of Tuesday afternoon. The aviation regulator had not activated a "workforce threshold" that would reduce the flight volume in and out of airports, indicating that activities were proceeding despite the challenges.