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Passengers across the United States are bracing for increasing delays as workforce gaps at airports continue to worsen during the current government closure, now entering its seventh consecutive day.

Escalating Worries Over Air Travel Network

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

"The potential of wider impacts to the American air travel network continues to increase by the day," commented travel industry analyst Henry Harteveldt.

He expressed serious worry that if the shutdown continues, it could potentially disrupt millions of Americans' Thanksgiving travel plans in November.

Travel Disruptions and Operational Challenges

Workforce gaps, featuring an elevated number of workers taking sick leave, impacted major airports around Denver, Los Angeles and New York on Monday, resulting in delays for over 6,000 flights across the country.

• The Burbank facility's flight control was briefly shut down and responsibilities were managed by another facility
• Nashville airport experienced postponements averaging 120 minutes due to workforce challenges
• O'Hare Airport in Chicago recorded typical postponements of nearly three-quarters of an hour
• Dallas-Fort Worth experienced delays logged at 30 minutes

Sector Reaction and Union Position

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

The union clarified that air traffic 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

The Transportation Department head Sean Duffy warned that the country's air traffic control system is being harmed from the ongoing government shutdown.

"They're not just 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'?"

He noted that many controllers depend on regular income and cannot afford prolonged durations without compensation.

Broader Implications

According to emergency preparations, approximately a quarter of the employees, or over eleven thousand FAA employees, were temporarily laid off when the closure started last week.

However, thirteen thousand flight controllers remain on duty, with hiring and training continuing as well.

Union president Nick Daniels pointed out that the shutdown has emphasized existing challenges encountered by flight controllers, including workforce gaps and aging technology.

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

Regardless of the widespread delays, aviation analytics showed that approximately 92% of flights departing from US airports departed as scheduled as of Tuesday afternoon.

The aviation regulator had not activated a "workforce threshold" that would decrease the flight volume in and out of airports, indicating that activities were proceeding despite the difficulties.