🔗 Share this article

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

Escalating Worries Over Aviation System

Union representatives for flight controllers and TSA agents have warned that the situation is likely to deteriorate, with workforce issues reported at multiple major airports including locations such as Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Nashville and Philadelphia.

"The potential of wider impacts to the American air travel network continues to increase by the day," commented travel industry analyst Henry Harteveldt.

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

Flight Delays and Operational Challenges

Staffing shortages, including an elevated number of workers taking sick leave, affected major airports around Denver, Los Angeles and New York on Monday, resulting in delays for over 6,000 flights across the country.

• The Burbank facility's air traffic control was briefly shut down and operations were handled by another facility
• The Nashville facility reported postponements averaging 120 minutes due to workforce challenges
• Chicago's O'Hare recorded typical postponements of 41 minutes
• Dallas-Fort Worth experienced delays logged at 30 minutes

Industry Response and Union Position

The National Air Traffic Controllers Association emphasized that it does not support any coordinated activities that could negatively affect 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 result in removal from federal service.

Official Viewpoint

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

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

The official noted that many operators depend on regular income and cannot afford prolonged durations without payment.

Broader Implications

Based on emergency preparations, approximately a quarter of the workforce, or over eleven thousand aviation administration workers, were furloughed when the closure started last week.

However, thirteen thousand flight controllers remain on duty, with hiring and training also ongoing.

Labor leader Nick Daniels indicated that the closure has emphasized existing challenges encountered by flight controllers, including staff shortages and outdated equipment.

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

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

The Federal Aviation Administration had not issued a "staffing trigger" that would reduce the flight volume in and out of airports, indicating that operations were continuing despite the difficulties.