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Passengers throughout America are preparing for increasing delays as airport staffing shortages continue to worsen during the current federal government shutdown, now entering its seventh day.

Growing Concerns Over Aviation System

Union representatives for flight controllers and security screeners have cautioned that the situation is expected to worsen, with staffing challenges reported at several key airports including facilities in Nashville, Boston, Dallas, Chicago and Philadelphia.

"The potential of wider impacts to the American air travel network is growing by the day," commented aviation expert Henry Harteveldt.

He expressed grave concern that should the closure persist, it could possibly interfere with millions of Americans' holiday travel arrangements in November.

Travel Disruptions and Operational Challenges

Workforce gaps, featuring an increased rate of employees calling in sick, affected key facilities around Denver, Los Angeles and New York on Monday, resulting in postponements affecting more than 6,000 flights nationwide.

• Burbank airport's flight control was temporarily closed and responsibilities were managed by another facility
• Nashville airport reported delays of approximately two hours due to workforce challenges
• Chicago's O'Hare recorded typical postponements of 41 minutes
• The DFW airport experienced postponements recorded at half an hour

Sector Reaction and Labor Stance

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

The organization stated that air traffic controllers take their responsibility to protect public safety very seriously and engaging in any work stoppage could lead to termination of employment.

Government Perspective

Transportation Secretary the transportation official alerted that the country's air traffic control system is being harmed from the continuing federal closure.

"They're not just thinking about the airspace," he commented regarding flight controllers who are working without pay. "They're concerned about, 'Am I going to get a paycheck'?"

He observed that many controllers live paycheck to paycheck and cannot afford extended periods without payment.

Wider Consequences

According to emergency preparations, roughly a quarter of the workforce, or over eleven thousand FAA employees, were temporarily laid off when the closure started last week.

Nevertheless, 13,000 air traffic controllers remain on duty, with recruitment and instruction continuing as well.

Union president Nick Daniels indicated that the closure has emphasized existing challenges encountered by air traffic controllers, including staff shortages and outdated equipment.

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

Despite the widespread delays, flight data showed that approximately 92% of flights departing from US airports took off on time 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, indicating that activities were proceeding despite the difficulties.