🔗 Share this article

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

Growing Concerns Over Aviation System

Labor leaders for air traffic controllers and security screeners have cautioned that the circumstances is likely to deteriorate, with workforce issues reported at several key airports including locations such as Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Nashville and Philadelphia.

"The risk of broader effects to the US aviation system is growing by the day," stated travel industry analyst Henry Harteveldt.

He voiced grave concern that should the closure persist, it could possibly interfere with millions of Americans' Thanksgiving travel plans in November.

Travel Disruptions and Operational Challenges

Staffing shortages, featuring an elevated number of workers taking sick leave, impacted key facilities around Denver, Los Angeles and New York on Monday, resulting in delays for over 6,000 flights nationwide.

• Burbank airport's flight control was briefly shut down and operations were handled by a different location
• Nashville airport experienced delays of approximately two hours due to workforce challenges
• Chicago's O'Hare recorded average delays of 41 minutes
• The DFW airport had delays logged at 30 minutes

Sector Reaction and Labor Stance

The primary air traffic controllers union emphasized that it does not support any coordinated activities that could negatively affect the National Airspace System.

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

Government Perspective

The Transportation Department head the transportation official warned that the national flight control network is being harmed from the ongoing government shutdown.

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

He noted that many operators live paycheck to paycheck and are unable to manage extended periods without compensation.

Broader Implications

According to emergency preparations, approximately a quarter of the employees, or over eleven thousand aviation administration workers, were temporarily laid off when the shutdown began last week.

However, thirteen thousand flight controllers remain on duty, with recruitment and instruction also ongoing.

Union president Nick Daniels pointed out that the closure has emphasized preexisting issues encountered by flight controllers, including staff shortages and outdated equipment.

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

Despite the widespread delays, aviation analytics indicated that roughly ninety-two percent of flights departing from US airports departed as scheduled as of Tuesday afternoon.

The aviation regulator had not issued a "workforce threshold" that would decrease the flight volume in and out of airports, indicating that activities were continuing despite the challenges.