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Passengers throughout America are preparing for growing delays as workforce gaps at airports further deteriorate during the current government closure, now entering its seventh day.

Growing Concerns Over Aviation System

Union representatives for flight controllers and security screeners have warned that the situation is expected to worsen, with staffing challenges documented at several major 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 serious worry that if the shutdown continues, it could possibly interfere with millions of Americans' holiday travel arrangements in November.

Travel Disruptions and Operational Challenges

Staffing shortages, including an increased rate of employees calling in sick, impacted major airports around New York, Los Angeles and Denver on Monday, resulting in postponements affecting more than 6,000 flights across the country.

• Burbank airport's air traffic control was temporarily closed and operations were handled by another facility
• The Nashville facility experienced postponements averaging 120 minutes due to staffing issues
• O'Hare Airport in Chicago showed average delays of nearly three-quarters of an hour
• Dallas-Fort Worth had postponements recorded at 30 minutes

Sector Reaction and Labor Stance

The primary air traffic controllers union emphasized that it does not endorse any organized actions that could adversely impact the National Airspace System.

The union stated that air traffic controllers value their duty to ensure passenger security extremely earnestly and engaging in any work stoppage could lead to termination of employment.

Government Perspective

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

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

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

Broader Implications

Based on contingency planning, approximately a quarter of the workforce, or more than 11,000 FAA employees, were furloughed when the shutdown began last week.

However, thirteen thousand flight controllers continue working, with hiring and training also ongoing.

Labor leader Nick Daniels indicated that the closure has highlighted existing challenges faced by air traffic controllers, including staff shortages and aging technology.

He explained that the circumstances is particularly grave at regional facilities where reduced personnel creates additional challenges.

Regardless of the extensive postponements, flight data indicated that approximately 92% of flights departing from US airports departed as scheduled as of Tuesday afternoon.

The aviation regulator had not issued a "staffing trigger" that would decrease the number of flights in and out of airports, indicating that operations were continuing despite the difficulties.