🔗 Share this article

Passengers throughout America are preparing for growing disruptions as workforce gaps at airports continue to worsen during the ongoing federal government shutdown, now reaching its seventh consecutive day.

Growing Concerns Over Aviation System

Union representatives for air traffic controllers and security screeners have cautioned that the circumstances is likely to deteriorate, with staffing challenges documented at several major airports including facilities in Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Nashville and Philadelphia.

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

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

Flight Delays and Operational Issues

Staffing shortages, featuring an elevated number of employees calling in sick, affected key facilities around New York, Los Angeles and Denver on Monday, resulting in postponements affecting more than 6,000 flights nationwide.

• Burbank airport's air traffic control was temporarily closed 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 typical postponements of 41 minutes
• The DFW airport had postponements recorded at half an hour

Industry Response and Union Position

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

The organization stated that flight controllers take their responsibility to ensure passenger security very seriously and engaging in any work stoppage could lead to removal from federal service.

Official Viewpoint

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy warned that the national flight control network is being harmed from the ongoing government shutdown.

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

The official observed that many operators live paycheck to paycheck and are unable to manage prolonged durations without payment.

Broader Implications

Based on contingency planning, roughly a quarter of the workforce, or more than 11,000 FAA employees, 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 pointed out that the closure has highlighted preexisting issues encountered by flight controllers, including staff shortages and aging technology.

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

Despite the widespread delays, flight data indicated that approximately 92% of departures from American airports departed as scheduled as of Tuesday afternoon.

The Federal Aviation Administration had not issued a "staffing trigger" that would decrease the number of flights in and out of airports, suggesting that operations were continuing despite the difficulties.