🔗 Share this article

Travelers across the United States are bracing for increasing disruptions as workforce gaps at airports further deteriorate during the current federal government shutdown, now reaching its seventh consecutive day.

Growing Concerns Over Air Travel Network

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

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

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

Travel Disruptions and Operational Challenges

Workforce gaps, featuring an elevated number of workers taking sick leave, impacted key facilities around New York, Los Angeles and Denver on Monday, resulting in postponements affecting more than 6,000 flights nationwide.

• Burbank airport's flight control was briefly shut down and responsibilities were managed by a different location
• Nashville airport experienced delays of approximately two hours due to staffing issues
• O'Hare Airport in Chicago recorded average delays of 41 minutes
• The DFW airport had postponements recorded at half an hour

Sector Reaction and Labor Stance

The National Air Traffic Controllers Association emphasized 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 ensure passenger security extremely earnestly and participating in any job action could result in termination of employment.

Official Viewpoint

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 remarked regarding air traffic controllers who are working without pay. "They're thinking about, 'Am I going to get a salary'?"

The official noted that many controllers depend on regular income and cannot afford prolonged durations without payment.

Broader Implications

According to contingency planning, roughly a quarter of the workforce, or more than 11,000 aviation administration workers, were furloughed when the shutdown began last week.

Nevertheless, thirteen thousand flight controllers continue working, with recruitment and instruction also ongoing.

Labor leader Nick Daniels indicated that the closure has highlighted preexisting issues faced by flight controllers, including workforce gaps and aging technology.

He explained that the situation is especially serious at smaller airports where reduced personnel creates further difficulties.

Regardless of the widespread delays, flight data showed that approximately 92% of flights departing from US airports departed as scheduled 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 operations were continuing despite the difficulties.