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Passengers across the United States are preparing for growing delays as airport staffing shortages 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 cautioned that the situation is expected to worsen, with staffing challenges reported at several key airports including locations such as Nashville, Boston, Dallas, Chicago and Philadelphia.

"The risk of broader effects to the US aviation system is growing by the day," stated aviation expert Henry Harteveldt.

He expressed serious worry that if the shutdown continues, it could potentially disrupt countless American holiday travel arrangements in November.

Flight Delays and Operational Issues

Staffing shortages, featuring an increased rate of workers taking sick leave, impacted major airports around New York, Los Angeles and Denver on Monday, causing delays for over 6,000 flights nationwide.

• The Burbank facility's air traffic control was temporarily closed and operations were handled by another facility
• Nashville airport experienced delays of approximately two hours due to staffing issues
• Chicago's O'Hare showed average delays of 41 minutes
• Dallas-Fort Worth experienced delays logged at half an hour

Industry Response and Union Position

The primary air traffic controllers union stressed that it does not support any coordinated activities that could negatively affect the national flight network.

The union clarified that flight controllers value their duty to protect public safety extremely earnestly and engaging in any work stoppage could result in removal from federal service.

Government Perspective

The Transportation Department head the transportation official warned that the national flight control network is suffering damage from the ongoing government shutdown.

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

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

Broader Implications

According to contingency planning, roughly 25% of the employees, or over eleven thousand FAA employees, were temporarily laid off when the closure started last week.

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

Labor leader Nick Daniels indicated that the shutdown has emphasized existing challenges encountered by flight controllers, including workforce gaps and outdated equipment.

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

Despite the widespread delays, flight data showed that approximately ninety-two percent 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 decrease the flight volume in and out of airports, indicating that activities were continuing despite the difficulties.