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Travelers across the United States are bracing for growing disruptions as airport staffing shortages continue to worsen during the current federal government shutdown, now entering its seventh day.

Growing Concerns Over Aviation System

Labor leaders for air traffic controllers and security screeners have warned that the situation is likely to deteriorate, with staffing challenges documented at multiple key airports including facilities in Nashville, Boston, Dallas, Chicago and Philadelphia.

"The risk of wider impacts to the American air travel network is growing by the day," commented travel industry analyst Henry Harteveldt.

He expressed serious worry that if the shutdown continues, it could possibly interfere with millions of Americans' Thanksgiving travel plans in November.

Travel Disruptions and Operational Issues

Workforce gaps, including an elevated number of employees calling in sick, impacted key facilities around New York, Los Angeles and Denver on Monday, causing postponements affecting more than 6,000 flights nationwide.

• Burbank airport's air traffic control was briefly shut down and operations were handled by a different location
• Nashville airport experienced postponements averaging 120 minutes due to workforce challenges
• Chicago's O'Hare showed typical postponements of 41 minutes
• The DFW airport had postponements recorded at 30 minutes

Sector Reaction and Labor Stance

The National Air Traffic Controllers Association stressed that it does not endorse any coordinated activities that could adversely impact the National Airspace System.

The union stated that flight controllers value their duty to ensure passenger security very seriously and engaging in any job action could lead to termination of employment.

Official Viewpoint

Transportation Secretary the transportation official alerted that the national flight control network is suffering damage from the continuing federal closure.

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

He observed that many controllers depend on regular income and cannot afford extended periods without compensation.

Wider Consequences

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

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

Union president Nick Daniels indicated that the shutdown has emphasized existing challenges faced by flight controllers, including workforce gaps and outdated equipment.

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

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

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