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Passengers across the United States are preparing for growing disruptions as workforce gaps at airports continue to worsen during the ongoing federal government shutdown, now entering its seventh day.

Growing Concerns Over Air Travel Network

Labor leaders for flight controllers and security screeners have cautioned that the circumstances is expected to worsen, with staffing challenges reported at several key airports including facilities in Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Nashville and Philadelphia.

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

Flight Delays and Operational Challenges

Staffing shortages, featuring an increased rate of workers taking sick leave, impacted major airports around New York, Los Angeles and Denver on Monday, causing delays for over 6,000 flights nationwide.

• 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
• O'Hare Airport in Chicago showed average delays of 41 minutes
• The DFW airport had postponements recorded at half an hour

Sector Reaction and Union Position

The National Air Traffic Controllers Association emphasized that it does not support any organized actions that could negatively affect the National Airspace System.

The organization stated that flight controllers take their responsibility to protect public safety very seriously and engaging in any job action could lead to removal from federal service.

Government Perspective

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

"They aren't only thinking about the flight paths," he commented regarding air traffic controllers who are working without pay. "They're thinking about, 'Am I going to get a paycheck'?"

He noted that many controllers live paycheck to paycheck and are unable to manage prolonged durations without payment.

Wider Consequences

Based on emergency preparations, approximately 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 faced by air traffic controllers, including staff shortages and outdated equipment.

He explained that the situation is especially serious at smaller airports where limited staffing creates further difficulties.

Despite the extensive postponements, aviation analytics indicated that roughly 92% of departures from American airports departed as scheduled as of Tuesday afternoon.

The Federal Aviation Administration had not activated a "workforce threshold" that would reduce the number of flights in and out of airports, suggesting that activities were continuing despite the difficulties.