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Passengers across the United States are bracing for increasing delays as workforce gaps at airports further deteriorate during the current government closure, now entering its seventh day.

Escalating Worries Over Aviation System

Labor leaders for flight controllers and TSA agents have cautioned that the circumstances is likely to deteriorate, with workforce issues documented 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," commented travel industry analyst Henry Harteveldt.

He voiced serious worry that should the closure persist, it could possibly interfere with millions of Americans' Thanksgiving travel plans in November.

Flight Delays and Operational Issues

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

• The Burbank facility's air traffic control was briefly shut down and responsibilities were managed by a different location
• The Nashville facility reported postponements averaging 120 minutes due to staffing issues
• Chicago's O'Hare showed average delays of nearly three-quarters of an hour
• The DFW airport had postponements recorded at 30 minutes

Sector Reaction and Union Position

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

The union stated that air traffic controllers take their responsibility to ensure passenger security very seriously and participating in any work stoppage could result in removal from federal service.

Official Viewpoint

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy alerted that the national flight control network is suffering damage from the ongoing government shutdown.

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

He observed that many controllers depend on regular income and are unable to manage extended periods without compensation.

Broader Implications

According to contingency planning, approximately 25% of the workforce, or more than 11,000 aviation administration workers, were temporarily laid off when the shutdown began last week.

Nevertheless, 13,000 air traffic controllers continue working, with recruitment and instruction continuing as well.

Union president Nick Daniels pointed out that the shutdown has emphasized preexisting issues encountered by air traffic controllers, including workforce gaps and outdated equipment.

He clarified that the circumstances is especially serious at regional facilities where limited staffing creates additional challenges.

Despite the extensive postponements, aviation analytics showed that roughly 92% of flights departing from US airports took off on time as of Tuesday afternoon.

The aviation regulator had not activated a "staffing trigger" that would reduce the flight volume in and out of airports, indicating that activities were continuing despite the challenges.