Airports across the United States experienced an increase in flight delays on Tuesday, fueled by staffing shortages stemming from the ongoing federal government shutdown, which entered its seventh day.
Union leaders representing air traffic controllers and airport security screeners have warned that conditions might deteriorate further as the shutdown persists.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) acknowledged staffing issues at several major airports including Nashville, Boston, Dallas, Chicago, and Philadelphia, alongside difficulties at air traffic control centers in Atlanta, Houston, and the Dallas-Fort Worth area.
In response to these staffing challenges, the FAA was required to temporarily slow the takeoff of planes headed to the aforementioned cities.
Flight disruptions reported the previous day were also attributed to inadequate staffing levels amid the shutdown that began on October 1.
On Monday, the FAA highlighted issues at airports in Burbank, California, Newark, New Jersey, and Denver.
While around 92% of the more than 23,600 flights departing from U.S. airports by Tuesday afternoon managed to take off on time, the overall risk to the aviation system continues to escalate.
Travel industry analyst Henry Harteveldt emphasized that the longer the shutdown continues, the greater the chance of it impacting holiday travel in November.
Harteveldt expressed his deep concern, stating, ‘If the government remains shut down then, it could disrupt, and possibly ruin, millions of Americans’ Thanksgiving holidays.’
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy conveyed that there has already been a noticeable increase in air traffic controllers calling in sick at various locations.
When there is an inadequate number of controllers, the FAA is compelled to limit takeoffs and landings to ensure safety, inevitably causing flight delays and potential cancellations.
This was indeed the situation on Monday afternoon when the control tower at Southern California’s Hollywood Burbank Airport closed for several hours, resulting in average delays of two and a half hours.
Communications during this time indicated that the tower was closed due to staffing shortages, demonstrating the severity of the situation.
Nick Daniels, president of the National Air Traffic Controllers Association, remarked that the shutdown has underscored existing problems his members encounter regularly, such as a national airspace system that suffers from chronic understaffing and outdated equipment prone to failure.
Even a small number of controllers missing work can significantly impact a small airport operating with limited tower staffing, as there aren’t enough personnel available to fill the gaps.
Daniels pointed out, ‘It’s not like we have other controllers that can suddenly come to that facility and staff them. There’s not enough people there.’
As the regular payday approaches next week, officials warn that air traffic controllers and TSA officers may not receive their wages, adding to the mounting pressure on workers who are already facing personal financial challenges due to the shutdown.
Daniels lamented, ‘It’s completely unfair that an air traffic controller is the one that holds the burden of seeing how long you can hang in there in order to allow this political process to play out.’
Johnny Jones, secretary-treasurer of the American Federation of Government Employees chapter representing TSA workers, has also reported growing concerns among members about their ability to meet financial obligations such as child support and mortgage payments during the shutdown.
He noted that some TSA officers have started calling in sick, but he did not believe the absences were significant enough to lead to major issues or delays at airports at this juncture.
Aviation unions, together with U.S. airlines, have made urgent appeals for an end to the shutdown as soon as possible.
In light of the ongoing struggles, unions are also reaching out to food banks, grocery stores, and airports to request assistance for affected workers during this challenging period.
For instance, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport has been proactive, offering federal workers $15 food vouchers and permitting them to park at the terminal.
Tampa International Airport has set up measures termed ‘Operation Bald Eagle 2’ aimed at assisting approximately 1,100 federal employees working at the airport without pay.
John Tiliacos, the airport’s chief operating officer, stated that the initiatives include establishing a food pantry, providing free bus rides to work, and coordinating with local utility providers to help maintain essential services for the workers’ homes.
He expressed a commitment to supporting federal employees during these challenging times, saying, ‘Whatever we can do to make life a little easier for these federal employees that allows them to continue coming to work and focus on keeping our airport operational, that’s what we’re prepared to do.’
image source from：pennlive
