🔗 Share this article

Passengers across the United States are preparing for growing disruptions as airport staffing shortages further deteriorate during the current federal government shutdown, now reaching its seventh consecutive day.

Growing Concerns Over Air Travel Network

Union representatives for flight controllers and TSA agents have warned that the circumstances is likely to deteriorate, with workforce issues documented at several major airports including facilities in Nashville, Boston, Dallas, Chicago and Philadelphia.

"The risk of broader effects to the American air travel network continues to increase by the day," stated aviation expert Henry Harteveldt.

He expressed grave concern that if the shutdown continues, it could possibly interfere with countless American Thanksgiving travel plans in November.

Travel Disruptions and Operational Challenges

Workforce gaps, featuring an increased rate of employees calling in sick, affected key facilities around New York, Los Angeles and Denver on Monday, causing delays for over 6,000 flights across the country.

• The Burbank facility's flight control was temporarily closed and responsibilities were managed by a different location
• Nashville airport experienced delays of approximately two hours due to staffing issues
• Chicago's O'Hare showed typical postponements of nearly three-quarters of an hour
• Dallas-Fort Worth experienced delays logged at half an hour

Sector Reaction and Union Position

The National Air Traffic Controllers Association emphasized 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 ensure passenger security very seriously and participating in any work stoppage could lead to removal from federal service.

Official Viewpoint

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

"They're not just thinking about the flight paths," he commented regarding air traffic controllers who are not receiving salaries. "They're concerned about, 'Am I going to get a paycheck'?"

The official observed that many operators live paycheck to paycheck and are unable to manage extended periods without compensation.

Broader Implications

Based on emergency preparations, approximately 25% of the employees, or over eleven thousand FAA employees, were furloughed when the shutdown began last week.

However, 13,000 air traffic controllers continue working, with hiring and training continuing as well.

Union president Nick Daniels pointed out that the shutdown has emphasized existing challenges faced by air traffic controllers, including workforce gaps and aging technology.

He clarified that the circumstances is particularly grave at smaller airports where reduced personnel creates further difficulties.

Despite the widespread delays, aviation analytics indicated that approximately ninety-two percent of departures from American airports took off on time as of Tuesday afternoon.

The aviation regulator had not issued a "workforce threshold" that would reduce the flight volume in and out of airports, suggesting that operations were continuing despite the difficulties.