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Passengers across the United States are preparing for growing delays as airport staffing shortages further deteriorate during the current federal government shutdown, now entering its seventh day.

Growing Concerns Over Air Travel Network

Union representatives for flight controllers and security screeners have warned that the situation is expected to worsen, with staffing challenges documented at multiple major airports including facilities in Nashville, Boston, Dallas, Chicago and Philadelphia.

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

He expressed grave concern that if the shutdown continues, it could potentially disrupt countless American Thanksgiving travel plans in November.

Flight Delays and Operational Challenges

Staffing shortages, including an elevated number of employees calling in sick, impacted major airports around New York, Los Angeles and Denver on Monday, causing delays for over 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 experienced delays of approximately two hours due to staffing issues
• O'Hare Airport in Chicago recorded average delays of 41 minutes
• Dallas-Fort Worth experienced delays logged at 30 minutes

Industry Response and Labor Stance

The National Air Traffic Controllers Association emphasized that it does not endorse any coordinated activities that could adversely impact the National Airspace System.

The union clarified that flight controllers take their responsibility to protect public safety extremely earnestly and participating in any work stoppage could result in removal from federal service.

Government Perspective

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy alerted that the country's air traffic control system is suffering damage from the ongoing government shutdown.

"They aren't only thinking about the flight paths," he commented regarding air traffic controllers who are not receiving salaries. "They're thinking about, 'Am I going to get a paycheck'?"

The official noted that many controllers live paycheck to paycheck and cannot afford prolonged durations without payment.

Broader Implications

According to contingency planning, roughly 25% of the workforce, or over eleven thousand FAA employees, were furloughed when the shutdown began last week.

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

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

He clarified that the circumstances is particularly grave at regional facilities where limited staffing creates additional challenges.

Regardless of the widespread delays, flight data showed that approximately 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 operations were continuing despite the difficulties.