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Passengers throughout America are preparing 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

Union representatives for flight controllers and TSA agents have warned that the situation is likely to deteriorate, with workforce issues documented at several key airports including locations such as Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Nashville and Philadelphia.

"The risk of wider impacts to the American air travel network is growing by the day," commented travel industry analyst Henry Harteveldt.

He voiced serious worry that if the shutdown continues, it could possibly interfere with millions of Americans' holiday travel arrangements in November.

Flight Delays and Operational Issues

Workforce gaps, including an elevated number of workers taking sick leave, impacted major airports around Denver, Los Angeles and New York on Monday, causing postponements affecting more than 6,000 flights across the country.

• The Burbank facility's flight control was temporarily closed and responsibilities were managed by another facility
• The Nashville facility reported delays of approximately two hours due to staffing issues
• Chicago's O'Hare recorded average delays of 41 minutes
• The DFW airport had postponements recorded at 30 minutes

Industry Response and Union Position

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

The organization stated 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

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

"They're not just thinking about the airspace," 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 operators live paycheck to paycheck and are unable to manage extended periods without compensation.

Wider Consequences

According to emergency preparations, approximately a quarter of the employees, or more than 11,000 FAA employees, were furloughed when the closure started last week.

Nevertheless, 13,000 air traffic controllers continue working, with hiring and training also ongoing.

Labor leader Nick Daniels indicated that the closure has emphasized preexisting issues faced by air traffic controllers, including staff shortages and aging technology.

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

Regardless of the extensive postponements, flight data showed that roughly ninety-two percent of flights departing from US airports departed as scheduled as of Tuesday afternoon.

The aviation regulator had not issued a "staffing trigger" that would decrease the number of flights in and out of airports, suggesting that activities were proceeding despite the difficulties.