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Passengers across the United States are preparing for growing disruptions as airport staffing shortages continue to worsen during the current government closure, now entering its seventh day.

Growing Concerns Over Air Travel Network

Labor leaders for flight controllers and security screeners have warned that the situation is likely to deteriorate, with staffing challenges documented at multiple major airports including locations such as 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 voiced grave concern that should the closure persist, it could possibly interfere with countless American holiday travel arrangements in November.

Travel Disruptions and Operational Issues

Staffing shortages, including an elevated number of employees calling in sick, impacted major airports around Denver, Los Angeles and New York on Monday, causing postponements affecting more than 6,000 flights nationwide.

• Burbank airport's air traffic control was briefly shut down and responsibilities were managed by another facility
• Nashville airport reported delays of approximately two hours due to workforce challenges
• O'Hare Airport in Chicago recorded typical postponements of 41 minutes
• Dallas-Fort Worth had postponements recorded at 30 minutes

Industry Response and Labor Stance

The National Air Traffic Controllers Association stressed that it does not support any organized actions that could negatively affect the national flight network.

The organization clarified that air traffic controllers value their duty to protect public safety extremely earnestly and participating in any work stoppage could result in removal from federal service.

Government Perspective

Transportation Secretary 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 remarked regarding air traffic controllers who are not receiving salaries. "They're concerned about, 'Am I going to get a salary'?"

He noted that many controllers live paycheck to paycheck and cannot afford prolonged durations without payment.

Wider Consequences

Based on emergency preparations, approximately 25% of the employees, or more than 11,000 FAA employees, were furloughed when the shutdown began last week.

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

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that the closure has emphasized existing challenges encountered by flight controllers, including staff shortages and outdated equipment.

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

Regardless of the widespread delays, aviation analytics showed that roughly ninety-two percent of flights departing from US airports took off on time as of Tuesday afternoon.

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