🔗 Share this article

Travelers across the United States are bracing for increasing delays as airport staffing shortages continue to worsen during the current federal government shutdown, now reaching its seventh day.

Growing Concerns Over Aviation System

Union representatives for air traffic controllers and TSA agents have warned that the circumstances is likely to deteriorate, with staffing challenges reported at several key airports including facilities in Nashville, Boston, Dallas, Chicago and Philadelphia.

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

He voiced grave concern that should the closure persist, it could possibly interfere with countless American holiday travel arrangements in November.

Travel Disruptions and Operational Issues

Workforce gaps, featuring an increased rate of workers taking sick leave, affected key facilities around Denver, Los Angeles and New York on Monday, resulting in postponements affecting more than 6,000 flights across the country.

• Burbank airport's flight control was briefly shut down and responsibilities were managed by a different location
• The Nashville facility reported 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 postponements recorded at 30 minutes

Sector Reaction and Labor Stance

The National Air Traffic Controllers Association stressed that it does not support any coordinated activities that could adversely impact the national flight network.

The organization clarified that flight controllers value their duty to protect public safety extremely earnestly and participating in any job action could lead to termination of employment.

Government Perspective

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

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

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

Wider Consequences

According to emergency preparations, roughly 25% of the workforce, or over eleven thousand FAA employees, were temporarily laid off when the closure started last week.

However, thirteen thousand flight controllers continue working, with recruitment and instruction also ongoing.

Union president Nick Daniels pointed out that the shutdown has emphasized existing challenges faced by flight controllers, including workforce gaps and outdated equipment.

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

Despite the widespread delays, aviation analytics showed that approximately 92% of departures from American airports departed as scheduled as of Tuesday afternoon.

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