🔗 Share this article

Travelers throughout America are bracing for growing delays as workforce gaps at airports further deteriorate during the ongoing federal government shutdown, 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 staffing challenges documented at several major airports including locations such as Nashville, Boston, Dallas, Chicago and Philadelphia.

"The risk of wider impacts to the American air travel network is growing by the day," stated aviation expert Henry Harteveldt.

He voiced grave concern that should the closure persist, it could potentially disrupt millions of Americans' holiday travel arrangements in November.

Flight Delays and Operational Challenges

Staffing shortages, featuring an increased rate of workers taking sick leave, affected major airports around Denver, Los Angeles and New York on Monday, resulting in postponements affecting more than 6,000 flights nationwide.

• Burbank airport's air traffic control was briefly shut down and operations were handled by another facility
• The Nashville facility experienced postponements averaging 120 minutes due to workforce challenges
• O'Hare Airport in Chicago recorded typical postponements of 41 minutes
• Dallas-Fort Worth had postponements recorded at 30 minutes

Sector Reaction and Union Position

The National Air Traffic Controllers Association stressed that it does not endorse any organized actions that could adversely impact the National Airspace System.

The union clarified that flight controllers value their duty to ensure passenger security extremely earnestly and engaging in any job action could lead to removal from federal service.

Government Perspective

The Transportation Department head Sean Duffy warned that the national flight control network is being harmed 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 thinking about, 'Am I going to get a salary'?"

The official observed that many controllers live paycheck to paycheck and are unable to manage prolonged durations without payment.

Wider Consequences

According to contingency planning, roughly 25% of the employees, or over eleven thousand aviation administration workers, were furloughed when the closure started last week.

However, thirteen thousand flight controllers remain on duty, with recruitment and instruction continuing as well.

Labor leader Nick Daniels indicated that the shutdown has highlighted existing challenges encountered by flight controllers, including staff shortages and outdated equipment.

He explained that the circumstances is particularly grave at regional facilities where limited staffing 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 reduce the number of flights in and out of airports, suggesting that activities were proceeding despite the difficulties.