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Passengers throughout America are preparing for increasing delays as workforce gaps at airports further deteriorate during the current government closure, now reaching its seventh day.

Growing Concerns Over Aviation System

Labor leaders for flight controllers and TSA agents have warned that the circumstances is likely to deteriorate, with workforce issues reported at multiple key airports including locations such as Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Nashville and Philadelphia.

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

He voiced grave concern that if the shutdown continues, it could potentially disrupt millions of Americans' holiday travel arrangements in November.

Flight Delays and Operational Challenges

Staffing shortages, featuring an elevated number of workers taking sick leave, impacted key facilities around Denver, Los Angeles and New York on Monday, causing postponements affecting more than 6,000 flights nationwide.

• Burbank airport's air traffic control was briefly shut down and operations were handled by a different location
• The Nashville facility reported postponements averaging 120 minutes due to staffing issues
• Chicago's O'Hare recorded average delays of nearly three-quarters of an hour
• The DFW airport had postponements recorded at 30 minutes

Industry Response and Union Position

The primary air traffic controllers union stressed that it does not support any coordinated activities that could adversely impact the National Airspace System.

The union clarified that flight controllers value their duty to ensure passenger security very seriously and participating in any job action could result in termination of employment.

Government Perspective

The Transportation Department head the transportation official warned that the national flight control network is being harmed from the continuing federal closure.

"They aren't only 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 salary'?"

He noted that many controllers live paycheck to paycheck and cannot afford extended periods without payment.

Broader Implications

Based on emergency preparations, approximately 25% of the employees, or more than 11,000 aviation administration workers, were furloughed when the shutdown began last week.

However, thirteen thousand flight controllers continue working, with hiring and training continuing as well.

Labor leader Nick Daniels pointed out that the shutdown has highlighted existing challenges encountered by air traffic controllers, including staff shortages and outdated equipment.

He clarified that the situation is particularly grave at regional facilities where reduced personnel creates further difficulties.

Despite the extensive postponements, flight data indicated that approximately ninety-two percent of departures from American airports departed as scheduled as of Tuesday afternoon.

The aviation regulator 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 challenges.