🔗 Share this article

Passengers throughout America are bracing for growing disruptions as airport staffing shortages further deteriorate during the current federal government shutdown, now reaching its seventh consecutive day.

Growing Concerns Over Air Travel Network

Labor leaders for air traffic controllers and TSA agents have cautioned that the situation is likely to deteriorate, with workforce issues 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 continues to increase by the day," stated aviation expert Henry Harteveldt.

He expressed grave concern that should the closure persist, it could possibly interfere with millions of Americans' Thanksgiving travel plans in November.

Travel Disruptions and Operational Challenges

Workforce gaps, featuring an increased rate of employees calling in sick, impacted key facilities around New York, Los Angeles and Denver on Monday, causing 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
• Nashville airport reported postponements averaging 120 minutes due to staffing issues
• O'Hare Airport in Chicago showed 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 emphasized that it does not support any coordinated activities that could adversely impact the national flight network.

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

Official Viewpoint

The Transportation Department head Sean Duffy alerted that the country's air traffic control system is suffering damage from the ongoing government shutdown.

"They're not just thinking about the airspace," he commented regarding air traffic controllers who are working without pay. "They're thinking about, 'Am I going to get a paycheck'?"

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

Wider Consequences

According to emergency preparations, roughly 25% of the workforce, or over eleven thousand FAA employees, were furloughed 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 emphasized preexisting issues encountered by flight controllers, including staff shortages and outdated equipment.

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

Despite the widespread delays, aviation analytics indicated that approximately ninety-two percent of departures from American airports departed as scheduled as of Tuesday afternoon.

The Federal Aviation Administration had not issued a "staffing trigger" that would decrease the flight volume in and out of airports, indicating that operations were proceeding despite the challenges.