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Travelers throughout America are preparing for increasing delays as airport staffing shortages continue to worsen during the current federal government shutdown, now entering its seventh consecutive day.

Growing Concerns Over Air Travel Network

Labor leaders for air traffic controllers and security screeners have cautioned that the circumstances is likely to deteriorate, with workforce issues documented at multiple major airports including facilities in Nashville, Boston, Dallas, Chicago and Philadelphia.

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

He expressed serious worry that should the closure persist, it could possibly interfere with millions of Americans' holiday travel arrangements in November.

Flight Delays and Operational Issues

Workforce gaps, featuring an elevated number of workers taking sick leave, affected 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 air traffic control was temporarily closed and operations were handled by another facility
• Nashville airport reported delays of approximately two hours due to workforce challenges
• Chicago's O'Hare recorded typical postponements of 41 minutes
• The DFW airport experienced postponements recorded at half an hour

Industry Response and Union Position

The primary air traffic controllers union stressed that it does not support any organized actions that could negatively affect the national flight network.

The union clarified that flight controllers take their responsibility to protect public safety very seriously and engaging in any work stoppage could result in termination of employment.

Official Viewpoint

The Transportation Department head Sean Duffy warned that the country's air traffic control system is being harmed from the continuing federal closure.

"They aren't only thinking about the airspace," he remarked regarding air traffic controllers who are not receiving salaries. "They're concerned about, 'Am I going to get a paycheck'?"

He noted that many controllers depend on regular income and cannot afford prolonged durations without payment.

Broader Implications

According to emergency preparations, roughly 25% of the employees, or more than 11,000 FAA employees, were temporarily laid off when the closure started last week.

Nevertheless, 13,000 air traffic controllers remain on duty, with recruitment and instruction continuing as well.

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

He clarified that the circumstances is particularly grave at smaller airports where reduced personnel creates additional challenges.

Regardless of the extensive postponements, aviation analytics showed that approximately 92% of departures from American airports took off on time as of Tuesday afternoon.

The aviation regulator had not issued a "staffing trigger" that would decrease the flight volume in and out of airports, indicating that operations were proceeding despite the challenges.