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Travelers across the United States are preparing for growing delays as airport staffing shortages further deteriorate during the current federal government shutdown, now reaching its seventh day.

Escalating Worries Over Air Travel Network

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

"The potential of wider impacts to the American air travel network is growing by the day," stated travel industry analyst Henry Harteveldt.

He expressed serious worry that if the shutdown continues, it could possibly interfere with countless American holiday travel arrangements in November.

Flight Delays and Operational Challenges

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

• Burbank airport's flight control was briefly shut down and operations were handled by another facility
• Nashville airport experienced postponements averaging 120 minutes due to staffing issues
• Chicago's O'Hare showed typical postponements of nearly three-quarters of an hour
• The DFW airport experienced postponements recorded at half an hour

Industry Response and Labor Stance

The primary air traffic controllers union stressed that it does not endorse any coordinated activities that could adversely impact the national flight network.

The union stated that flight controllers value their duty to ensure passenger security very seriously and engaging in any work stoppage could result in termination of employment.

Government Perspective

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

"They're not just thinking about the flight paths," he remarked regarding air traffic controllers who are not receiving salaries. "They're concerned about, 'Am I going to get a salary'?"

He noted that many controllers live paycheck to paycheck and cannot afford extended periods without compensation.

Wider Consequences

According to contingency planning, approximately 25% of the workforce, or more than 11,000 aviation administration workers, were furloughed when the shutdown began last week.

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

Union president Nick Daniels pointed out that the closure has emphasized preexisting issues faced by air traffic controllers, including staff shortages and outdated equipment.

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

Regardless of the extensive postponements, aviation analytics 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 "staffing trigger" that would reduce the number of flights in and out of airports, suggesting that activities were continuing despite the challenges.