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Passengers across the United States are preparing for growing delays as workforce gaps at airports continue to worsen during the current government closure, now entering its seventh 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 several key airports including facilities in Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Nashville and Philadelphia.

"The risk of broader effects to the American air travel network is growing by the day," commented aviation expert Henry Harteveldt.

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

Flight Delays and Operational Issues

Workforce gaps, featuring an increased rate of employees calling in sick, affected key facilities around New York, Los Angeles and Denver on Monday, resulting in postponements affecting more than 6,000 flights nationwide.

• 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 workforce challenges
• Chicago's O'Hare showed average delays of nearly three-quarters of an hour
• The DFW airport experienced delays logged at 30 minutes

Industry Response and Labor Stance

The National Air Traffic Controllers Association stressed that it does not endorse any coordinated activities that could adversely impact the national flight network.

The union clarified that air traffic controllers value their duty to protect public safety very seriously and engaging in any job action could result in removal from federal service.

Official Viewpoint

The Transportation Department head Sean Duffy alerted that the national flight control network is suffering damage from the ongoing government shutdown.

"They aren't only thinking about the flight paths," he commented regarding air traffic controllers who are not receiving salaries. "They're concerned about, 'Am I going to get a salary'?"

The official observed that many operators depend on regular income and cannot afford extended periods without payment.

Wider Consequences

According to emergency preparations, approximately a quarter of the workforce, or over eleven thousand FAA employees, were furloughed when the shutdown began last week.

Nevertheless, thirteen thousand flight controllers continue working, with hiring and training also ongoing.

Union president Nick Daniels indicated that the shutdown has emphasized existing challenges encountered by air traffic controllers, including workforce gaps and outdated equipment.

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

Despite the extensive postponements, flight data indicated that roughly 92% of flights departing from US airports departed as scheduled as of Tuesday afternoon.

The aviation regulator had not issued a "staffing trigger" that would reduce the number of flights in and out of airports, indicating that activities were continuing despite the challenges.