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Travelers throughout America are bracing for increasing delays as airport staffing shortages further deteriorate during the current government closure, now reaching its seventh day.

Growing Concerns Over Air Travel Network

Union representatives for air traffic controllers and security screeners have cautioned that the situation is expected to worsen, with staffing challenges documented at multiple major airports including locations such as Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Nashville and Philadelphia.

"The risk of broader effects to the American air travel network is growing by the day," commented aviation expert Henry Harteveldt.

He voiced serious worry that if the shutdown continues, it could potentially disrupt countless American Thanksgiving travel plans in November.

Travel Disruptions and Operational Issues

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

• Burbank airport's air traffic control was briefly shut down and responsibilities were managed by another facility
• Nashville airport experienced delays of approximately two hours due to workforce challenges
• O'Hare Airport in Chicago showed typical postponements of nearly three-quarters of an hour
• The DFW airport had delays logged at half an hour

Industry Response and Union Position

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

The union clarified that air traffic controllers value their duty to ensure passenger security very seriously and participating in any work stoppage could result in termination of employment.

Official Viewpoint

The Transportation Department head the transportation official warned that the country's air traffic control system is being harmed from the continuing federal closure.

"They aren't only thinking about the airspace," he commented regarding air traffic controllers who are not receiving salaries. "They're thinking about, 'Am I going to get a salary'?"

He observed that many operators live paycheck to paycheck and cannot afford prolonged durations without payment.

Broader Implications

According to emergency preparations, approximately a quarter of the workforce, or more than 11,000 aviation administration workers, were furloughed when the closure started last week.

Nevertheless, thirteen thousand flight controllers continue working, with hiring and training continuing as well.

Union president Nick Daniels indicated that the shutdown has highlighted preexisting issues encountered by flight controllers, including staff shortages and aging technology.

He explained that the situation is particularly grave at regional facilities where reduced personnel creates additional challenges.

Despite the extensive postponements, flight data showed that approximately 92% of flights departing from US airports departed as scheduled as of Tuesday afternoon.

The Federal Aviation Administration had not issued a "staffing trigger" that would reduce the number of flights in and out of airports, suggesting that activities were proceeding despite the challenges.