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Passengers 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.

Escalating Worries Over Aviation System

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

"The potential of wider impacts to the American air travel network continues to increase by the day," stated aviation expert Henry Harteveldt.

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

Flight Delays and Operational Issues

Staffing shortages, including an elevated number of workers taking sick leave, affected key facilities 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 temporarily closed and operations were handled by another facility
• Nashville airport experienced delays of approximately two hours due to workforce challenges
• Chicago's O'Hare recorded average delays of nearly three-quarters of an hour
• Dallas-Fort Worth experienced delays logged at 30 minutes

Industry Response and Labor Stance

The National Air Traffic Controllers Association stressed that it does not endorse any coordinated activities that could adversely impact the national flight network.

The union clarified that flight controllers value their duty to protect public safety very seriously and engaging in any work stoppage could result in removal from federal service.

Official Viewpoint

Transportation Secretary the transportation official warned that the national flight control network is being harmed from the continuing federal closure.

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

The official noted that many operators depend on regular income and cannot afford extended periods without payment.

Wider Consequences

According to contingency planning, approximately a quarter of the workforce, or more than 11,000 FAA employees, were furloughed when the closure started last week.

Nevertheless, thirteen thousand flight controllers continue working, with hiring and training also ongoing.

Labor leader Nick Daniels pointed out that the closure has emphasized preexisting issues faced by flight controllers, including staff shortages and aging technology.

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

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

The Federal Aviation Administration had not issued a "staffing trigger" that would reduce the flight volume in and out of airports, indicating that operations were proceeding despite the challenges.