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

Escalating Worries Over Aviation System

Union representatives for air traffic controllers and security screeners have warned that the situation is expected to worsen, with workforce issues documented at several major airports including locations such as Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Nashville and Philadelphia.

"The risk of broader effects to the US aviation system continues to increase by the day," commented aviation expert Henry Harteveldt.

He expressed serious worry that should the closure persist, it could possibly interfere with countless American Thanksgiving travel plans in November.

Travel Disruptions and Operational Issues

Staffing shortages, including an increased rate of workers taking sick leave, affected major airports around Denver, Los Angeles and New York on Monday, resulting in postponements affecting more than 6,000 flights across the country.

• Burbank airport's flight control was temporarily closed and operations were handled by another facility
• Nashville airport reported delays of approximately two hours due to workforce challenges
• O'Hare Airport in Chicago showed typical postponements of nearly three-quarters of an hour
• The DFW airport had 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 Airspace System.

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

Government Perspective

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

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

The official observed that many operators depend on regular income and are unable to manage extended periods without compensation.

Wider Consequences

Based on contingency planning, approximately 25% of the employees, or more than 11,000 aviation administration workers, were furloughed when the closure started last week.

Nevertheless, 13,000 air traffic controllers continue working, with recruitment and instruction continuing as well.

Labor leader Nick Daniels indicated that the closure has emphasized existing challenges faced by flight controllers, including staff shortages and outdated equipment.

He clarified that the situation is especially serious at regional facilities where limited staffing creates further difficulties.

Regardless of the extensive postponements, flight data showed that approximately ninety-two percent of departures from American airports took off on time 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 operations were proceeding despite the difficulties.