🔗 Share this article

Passengers across the United States are bracing for increasing disruptions as workforce gaps at airports continue to worsen during the ongoing government closure, now reaching its seventh day.

Growing Concerns Over Air Travel Network

Labor leaders for flight controllers and security screeners have warned that the circumstances is likely to deteriorate, with staffing challenges reported at multiple major airports including locations such as Nashville, Boston, Dallas, Chicago and Philadelphia.

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

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

Travel Disruptions and Operational Challenges

Workforce gaps, featuring an increased rate of employees calling in sick, affected key facilities around New York, Los Angeles and Denver on Monday, causing postponements affecting more than 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 reported postponements averaging 120 minutes due to staffing issues
• Chicago's O'Hare recorded average delays of 41 minutes
• The DFW airport had postponements recorded at 30 minutes

Sector Reaction and Union Position

The National Air Traffic Controllers Association emphasized that it does not support any coordinated activities that could adversely impact the National Airspace System.

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

Official Viewpoint

The Transportation Department head Sean Duffy warned that the national flight control network is being harmed from the ongoing government shutdown.

"They aren't only 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 observed that many operators live paycheck to paycheck and are unable to manage prolonged durations without compensation.

Broader Implications

Based on contingency planning, approximately 25% of the employees, or over eleven thousand aviation administration workers, were furloughed when the shutdown began last week.

Nevertheless, thirteen thousand flight controllers remain on duty, with recruitment and instruction continuing as well.

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

He explained that the circumstances is particularly grave at regional facilities where reduced personnel creates additional challenges.

Regardless of the widespread delays, aviation analytics indicated that roughly 92% of departures from American airports departed as scheduled as of Tuesday afternoon.

The aviation regulator had not activated a "workforce threshold" that would decrease the number of flights in and out of airports, suggesting that activities were continuing despite the challenges.