🔗 Share this article

Passengers throughout America are bracing for increasing delays as airport staffing shortages continue to worsen during the current federal government shutdown, now reaching its seventh consecutive day.

Growing Concerns Over Aviation System

Labor leaders for air traffic controllers and TSA agents have warned that the circumstances is likely to deteriorate, with workforce issues reported at multiple major airports including facilities in Nashville, Boston, Dallas, Chicago and Philadelphia.

"The risk of wider impacts to the US aviation system continues to increase by the day," stated travel industry analyst Henry Harteveldt.

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

Travel Disruptions and Operational Issues

Staffing shortages, featuring an elevated number of workers taking sick leave, impacted major airports around New York, Los Angeles and Denver on Monday, resulting in delays for over 6,000 flights across the country.

• The Burbank facility's flight control was temporarily closed and operations were handled by a different location
• The Nashville facility experienced delays of approximately two hours due to staffing issues
• O'Hare Airport in Chicago showed typical postponements of nearly three-quarters of an hour
• The DFW airport had delays logged at 30 minutes

Industry Response and Labor Stance

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

The organization stated that flight controllers value their duty to protect public safety very seriously and engaging in any job action could result in termination of employment.

Government Perspective

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

"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 observed that many controllers live paycheck to paycheck and cannot afford prolonged durations without payment.

Broader Implications

According to contingency planning, roughly a quarter of the workforce, or over eleven thousand FAA employees, were temporarily laid off when the shutdown began last week.

However, thirteen thousand flight controllers continue working, with recruitment and instruction continuing as well.

Labor leader Nick Daniels pointed out that the shutdown has highlighted existing challenges faced by air traffic controllers, including staff shortages and outdated equipment.

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

Regardless of the widespread delays, aviation analytics showed that approximately 92% of departures from American airports departed as scheduled as of Tuesday afternoon.

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