WASHINGTON, Nov 3 (Reuters) - More than 3.2 million U.S.

airline passengers have been impacted by delays or cancellations

stemming from air traffic controller staffing issues since a

government shutdown began on October 1, an airline group said on

Monday.

Airlines for America, which represents American Airlines ( AAL )

, United Airlines, Southwest Airlines ( LUV ),

Delta Air Lines ( DAL ), JetBlue Airways ( JBLU ) and other

major carriers, said 16% of delays were because of staffing

issues in October, up from the typical 5% before the shutdown.

More than 300,000 passengers alone were impacted on Friday,

the single-worst day since the shutdown began, the group added.