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Travelers across the United States are bracing for growing delays as workforce gaps at airports further deteriorate during the ongoing government closure, now reaching its seventh day.

Growing Concerns Over Aviation System

Union representatives for air traffic controllers and TSA agents have warned that the circumstances is expected to worsen, with workforce issues documented at multiple major airports including facilities in Nashville, Boston, Dallas, Chicago and Philadelphia.

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

He voiced serious worry that if the shutdown continues, it could potentially disrupt millions of Americans' holiday travel arrangements in November.

Flight Delays and Operational Issues

Staffing shortages, featuring an elevated number of workers taking sick leave, affected key facilities around Denver, Los Angeles and New York on Monday, causing delays for over 6,000 flights across the country.

• Burbank airport's air traffic control was briefly shut down and responsibilities were managed by a different location
• Nashville airport reported postponements averaging 120 minutes due to staffing issues
• O'Hare Airport in Chicago recorded typical postponements of nearly three-quarters of an hour
• Dallas-Fort Worth had postponements recorded at half an hour

Sector Reaction and Union Position

The National Air Traffic Controllers Association stressed that it does not support any coordinated activities that could negatively affect the National Airspace System.

The organization stated that air traffic controllers value their duty to ensure passenger security very seriously and participating in any job action could lead to termination of employment.

Government Perspective

The Transportation Department head the transportation official warned that the national flight control network is suffering damage from the continuing federal closure.

"They aren't only thinking about the airspace," he commented regarding flight 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 extended periods without compensation.

Broader Implications

According to contingency planning, roughly a quarter of the employees, or over eleven thousand FAA employees, were temporarily laid off when the shutdown began last week.

However, thirteen thousand flight controllers continue working, with hiring and training continuing as well.

Union president Nick Daniels pointed out that the shutdown has emphasized existing challenges faced by flight controllers, including staff shortages and aging technology.

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

Despite the widespread delays, flight data showed that approximately 92% of flights departing from US airports departed as scheduled as of Tuesday afternoon.

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