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Passengers throughout America are preparing for increasing delays as workforce gaps at airports continue to worsen during the ongoing government closure, now reaching its seventh consecutive day.

Escalating Worries Over Air Travel Network

Union representatives for flight controllers and security screeners have warned that the circumstances is likely to deteriorate, with workforce issues documented at multiple key airports including facilities in 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 voiced serious worry that should the closure persist, it could possibly interfere with countless American holiday travel arrangements in November.

Travel Disruptions and Operational Challenges

Staffing shortages, featuring an increased rate of workers taking sick leave, affected key facilities around Denver, Los Angeles and New York on Monday, resulting in postponements affecting more than 6,000 flights nationwide.

• Burbank airport'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 average delays of nearly three-quarters of an hour
• The DFW airport had postponements recorded at 30 minutes

Industry Response and Union Position

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

The organization stated that flight controllers take their responsibility to protect public safety very seriously and participating in any work stoppage could result in removal from federal service.

Official Viewpoint

Transportation Secretary the transportation official alerted that the country's air traffic control system is suffering damage from the continuing federal closure.

"They're not just thinking about the airspace," he remarked regarding flight controllers who are working without pay. "They're thinking about, 'Am I going to get a paycheck'?"

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

Wider Consequences

Based on emergency preparations, approximately 25% of the employees, or more than 11,000 aviation administration workers, were temporarily laid off when the shutdown began last week.

However, 13,000 air traffic controllers remain on duty, with hiring and training continuing as well.

Union president Nick Daniels indicated that the closure has emphasized existing challenges faced by air traffic controllers, including staff shortages and outdated equipment.

He explained that the circumstances is especially serious at smaller airports where reduced personnel creates further difficulties.

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

The aviation regulator had not activated a "workforce threshold" that would reduce the number of flights in and out of airports, suggesting that operations were proceeding despite the difficulties.