🔗 Share this article American Airport Chaos Deepens as Workforce Gaps Intensify During Federal Closure Travelers throughout America are preparing for increasing delays as workforce gaps at airports further deteriorate during the ongoing government closure, now reaching its seventh day. Escalating Worries Over Air Travel Network Labor leaders for flight controllers and TSA agents have warned that the circumstances is likely to deteriorate, with workforce issues reported at several major airports including facilities in Nashville, Boston, Dallas, Chicago and Philadelphia. "The potential of broader effects to the US aviation system is growing by the day," commented travel industry analyst Henry Harteveldt. He voiced grave concern that if the shutdown continues, it could possibly interfere with countless American Thanksgiving travel plans in November. Flight Delays and Operational Challenges Workforce gaps, including an increased rate 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 across the country. The Burbank facility's flight control was briefly shut down and operations were handled by another facility The Nashville facility experienced postponements averaging 120 minutes 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 30 minutes Sector Reaction 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 organization clarified that air traffic controllers value their duty to protect public safety very seriously and participating in any work stoppage could result in removal from federal service. Official Viewpoint The Transportation Department head the transportation official alerted that the national flight control network is suffering damage from the continuing federal closure. "They're not just thinking about the flight paths," he remarked regarding air traffic controllers who are working without pay. "They're concerned about, 'Am I going to get a paycheck'?" The official noted that many operators depend on regular income and cannot afford extended periods without compensation. Broader Implications Based on contingency planning, approximately a quarter of the employees, or more than 11,000 aviation administration workers, were temporarily laid off when the closure started last week. Nevertheless, 13,000 air traffic controllers remain on duty, with recruitment and instruction also ongoing. Labor leader Nick Daniels pointed out that the shutdown has emphasized preexisting issues encountered by flight controllers, including staff shortages and outdated equipment. He clarified that the situation is particularly grave at smaller airports where reduced personnel creates additional challenges. Despite the widespread delays, aviation analytics indicated that approximately ninety-two percent of departures from American airports departed as scheduled as of Tuesday afternoon. The aviation regulator had not activated a "workforce threshold" that would decrease the number of flights in and out of airports, suggesting that activities were proceeding despite the challenges.