🔗 Share this article

Passengers throughout America are bracing for growing delays as workforce gaps at airports further deteriorate during the ongoing federal government shutdown, now reaching its seventh day.

Escalating Worries Over Aviation System

Labor leaders for air traffic controllers and security screeners have cautioned that the circumstances is likely to deteriorate, with workforce issues documented at several key airports including facilities in Nashville, Boston, Dallas, Chicago and Philadelphia.

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

He voiced serious worry that if the shutdown continues, it could possibly interfere with countless American Thanksgiving travel plans in November.

Flight Delays and Operational Issues

Staffing shortages, featuring an elevated number of employees calling in sick, impacted key facilities around New York, Los Angeles and Denver on Monday, causing delays for over 6,000 flights nationwide.

• Burbank airport's air traffic control was briefly shut down and operations were handled by another facility
• Nashville airport reported postponements averaging 120 minutes due to workforce challenges
• O'Hare Airport in Chicago recorded average delays of 41 minutes
• Dallas-Fort Worth experienced delays logged at half an hour

Sector Reaction and Union Position

The primary air traffic controllers union emphasized that it does not support any coordinated activities that could negatively affect the national flight network.

The organization stated that flight controllers value their duty to protect public safety extremely earnestly and engaging in any work stoppage could lead to removal from federal service.

Official Viewpoint

Transportation Secretary the transportation official alerted that the country's air traffic control system is suffering damage from the ongoing government shutdown.

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

He noted that many controllers live paycheck to paycheck and cannot afford prolonged durations without compensation.

Broader Implications

Based on contingency planning, approximately 25% of the workforce, or more than 11,000 FAA employees, were furloughed when the shutdown began last week.

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

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

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

Regardless of the extensive postponements, flight data showed that approximately 92% of flights departing from US airports departed as scheduled as of Tuesday afternoon.

The Federal Aviation Administration had not activated a "workforce threshold" that would reduce the flight volume in and out of airports, indicating that activities were proceeding despite the difficulties.