The ongoing government shutdown is significantly impacting air travel across the United States, leading to widespread flight delays and staffing issues at major airports. Air traffic control shortages have resulted in canceled flights and delays, troubling travelers one week into the shutdown. Major airports, including those in Los Angeles and Nashville, have experienced significant disruptions, with reports indicating that air traffic control towers in some areas have gone unmanned for hours. Government officials have warned that if the shutdown persists, air travel conditions could worsen, adding to the existing strain on an already understaffed air traffic control system. Airlines are bracing for ongoing challenges, as passengers face uncertainty regarding flight schedules and potential delays in the coming days.