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Travelers across the United States are preparing for increasing delays as workforce gaps at airports further deteriorate during the ongoing federal government shutdown, now entering its seventh consecutive day.

Escalating Worries Over Air Travel Network

Labor leaders for flight controllers and security screeners have cautioned that the situation is likely to deteriorate, with workforce issues documented at multiple key airports including facilities in Nashville, Boston, Dallas, Chicago and Philadelphia.

"The potential of broader effects to the US aviation system is growing by the day," commented travel industry analyst Henry Harteveldt.

He expressed serious worry that if the shutdown continues, it could potentially disrupt millions of Americans' holiday travel arrangements in November.

Travel Disruptions and Operational Issues

Staffing shortages, featuring an elevated number of workers taking sick leave, 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 flight control was briefly shut down and responsibilities were managed by another facility
• Nashville airport reported delays of approximately two hours due to staffing issues
• O'Hare Airport in Chicago recorded typical postponements of nearly three-quarters of an hour
• The DFW airport had postponements recorded at half an hour

Industry Response and Union Position

The primary air traffic controllers union stressed that it does not endorse any organized actions that could adversely impact the national flight network.

The organization clarified that flight controllers take their responsibility to protect public safety extremely earnestly and engaging in any job action could result in removal from federal service.

Government Perspective

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

"They're not just 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'?"

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

Wider Consequences

Based on emergency preparations, approximately a quarter of the employees, or over eleven thousand FAA employees, were furloughed 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 closure has emphasized existing challenges faced by flight controllers, including staff shortages and outdated equipment.

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

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 decrease the flight volume in and out of airports, indicating that activities were proceeding despite the difficulties.