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Passengers across the United States are bracing for growing disruptions as airport staffing shortages continue to worsen during the current government closure, now reaching its seventh day.

Growing Concerns Over Air Travel Network

Labor leaders for air traffic controllers and security screeners have cautioned that the situation is likely to deteriorate, with staffing challenges reported at multiple key airports including locations such as Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Nashville and Philadelphia.

"The risk of wider impacts to the US aviation system is growing by the day," stated travel industry analyst Henry Harteveldt.

He expressed grave concern that should the closure persist, it could potentially disrupt countless American holiday travel arrangements in November.

Travel Disruptions and Operational Issues

Workforce gaps, featuring an elevated number of employees calling in sick, affected major airports around Denver, Los Angeles and New York on Monday, causing delays for over 6,000 flights across the country.

• Burbank airport's air traffic control was temporarily closed and operations were handled by a different location
• The Nashville facility experienced delays of approximately two hours due to staffing issues
• Chicago's O'Hare recorded typical postponements of 41 minutes
• Dallas-Fort Worth had postponements recorded at half an hour

Sector Reaction and Labor Stance

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

The union clarified that flight controllers value their duty to protect public safety very seriously and engaging in any job action could result in removal from federal service.

Government Perspective

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy 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 commented regarding air traffic controllers who are not receiving salaries. "They're concerned about, 'Am I going to get a salary'?"

He observed that many controllers depend on regular income and are unable to manage extended periods without payment.

Broader Implications

Based on contingency planning, approximately 25% of the employees, or more than 11,000 FAA employees, were furloughed when the shutdown began last week.

However, 13,000 air traffic controllers continue working, with hiring and training also ongoing.

Union president Nick Daniels indicated that the shutdown has highlighted existing challenges faced by air traffic controllers, including staff shortages and aging technology.

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

Despite the extensive postponements, aviation analytics indicated that approximately 92% of flights departing from US airports departed as scheduled as of Tuesday afternoon.

The aviation regulator had not activated a "staffing trigger" that would reduce the number of flights in and out of airports, indicating that operations were proceeding despite the challenges.