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Passengers across the United States are bracing for growing delays as airport staffing shortages continue to worsen during the current federal government shutdown, now reaching its seventh consecutive day.

Growing Concerns Over Air Travel Network

Union representatives for air traffic controllers and TSA agents have cautioned that the situation is likely to deteriorate, with staffing challenges reported at several major airports including facilities in Nashville, Boston, Dallas, Chicago and Philadelphia.

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

He voiced serious worry that should the closure persist, it could possibly interfere with millions of Americans' Thanksgiving travel plans in November.

Travel Disruptions and Operational Issues

Workforce gaps, featuring an elevated number of employees calling in sick, affected 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 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 nearly three-quarters of an hour
• Dallas-Fort Worth experienced delays logged at half an hour

Industry Response and Union Position

The primary air traffic controllers union stressed that it does not endorse any coordinated activities that could negatively affect the National Airspace System.

The union stated that flight controllers value their duty to protect public safety extremely earnestly and engaging in any work stoppage could lead to termination of employment.

Government Perspective

The Transportation Department head the transportation official warned that the country's air traffic control system is suffering damage from the continuing federal closure.

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

He observed that many operators live paycheck to paycheck and cannot afford prolonged durations without payment.

Wider Consequences

Based on emergency preparations, approximately a quarter of the workforce, or more than 11,000 FAA employees, were temporarily laid off when the shutdown began last week.

Nevertheless, 13,000 air traffic controllers continue working, with hiring and training continuing as well.

Union president Nick Daniels pointed out that the closure has highlighted preexisting issues encountered by flight controllers, including staff shortages and aging technology.

He explained that the circumstances is particularly grave at smaller airports where limited staffing creates further difficulties.

Despite the extensive postponements, aviation analytics indicated that roughly ninety-two percent of departures from American airports departed as scheduled as of Tuesday afternoon.

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