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Travelers across the United States are preparing for growing delays as airport staffing shortages continue to worsen during the ongoing government closure, now reaching its seventh day.

Growing Concerns Over Aviation System

Union representatives for air traffic controllers and TSA agents have warned that the circumstances is expected to worsen, with staffing challenges documented at several major airports including facilities in Nashville, Boston, Dallas, Chicago and Philadelphia.

"The risk of broader effects to the US aviation system is growing by the day," stated aviation expert Henry Harteveldt.

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

Travel Disruptions and Operational Issues

Staffing shortages, including an elevated number of employees calling in sick, impacted key facilities around New York, Los Angeles and Denver on Monday, resulting in delays for over 6,000 flights across the country.

• Burbank airport's air traffic control was temporarily closed and operations were handled by a different location
• Nashville airport experienced postponements averaging 120 minutes due to staffing issues
• Chicago's O'Hare recorded typical postponements of 41 minutes
• Dallas-Fort Worth had postponements recorded at 30 minutes

Sector Reaction and Labor Stance

The National Air Traffic Controllers Association emphasized that it does not support any coordinated activities that could negatively affect the national flight network.

The organization stated that flight controllers take their responsibility to ensure passenger security very seriously and engaging in any job action could lead to removal from federal service.

Government Perspective

The Transportation Department head the transportation official warned that the national flight control network is being harmed 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 noted that many operators depend on regular income and are unable to manage prolonged durations without compensation.

Wider Consequences

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

Nevertheless, thirteen thousand flight controllers remain on duty, with recruitment and instruction also ongoing.

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 explained that the circumstances is particularly grave at smaller airports where limited staffing creates additional challenges.

Despite the extensive postponements, flight data indicated that approximately ninety-two percent of flights departing from US airports took off on time as of Tuesday afternoon.

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