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Travelers across the United States are preparing for increasing delays as workforce gaps at airports continue to worsen during the ongoing federal government shutdown, now reaching its seventh consecutive day.

Escalating Worries Over Aviation System

Union representatives for flight controllers and TSA agents have warned that the situation is expected to worsen, with staffing challenges documented at several major airports including locations such as Nashville, Boston, Dallas, Chicago and Philadelphia.

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

He voiced grave concern that should the closure persist, it could possibly interfere with millions of Americans' holiday travel arrangements in November.

Travel Disruptions and Operational Challenges

Staffing shortages, including an elevated number of employees calling in sick, affected major airports around New York, Los Angeles and Denver on Monday, resulting in postponements affecting more than 6,000 flights across the country.

• Burbank airport's flight control was temporarily closed and operations were handled by a different location
• The Nashville facility reported postponements averaging 120 minutes due to staffing issues
• Chicago's O'Hare showed average delays of 41 minutes
• Dallas-Fort Worth experienced postponements recorded at 30 minutes

Industry Response and Labor Stance

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

The union clarified that flight controllers take their responsibility to ensure passenger security extremely earnestly and engaging in any work stoppage could result in termination of employment.

Official Viewpoint

The Transportation Department head Sean Duffy warned that the country's air traffic control system is being harmed from the continuing federal closure.

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

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

Wider Consequences

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

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

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

He explained that the situation is especially serious at smaller airports where reduced personnel creates additional challenges.

Regardless of the extensive postponements, flight data indicated that roughly 92% of flights departing from US airports took off on time as of Tuesday afternoon.

The Federal Aviation Administration had not activated a "workforce threshold" that would decrease the number of flights in and out of airports, indicating that operations were continuing despite the challenges.