Flight Cancellations and Delays Rise at San Diego Airport
As of midday Friday, San Diego reported 27 flight cancellations, a sharp increase from just two cancellations the previous day. Travelers to and from San Diego, Los Angeles, and Ontario international airports experienced delays and cancellations due to reduced flight capacity at 40 major U.S. airports.
Government Shutdown Impact on Air Traffic
The flight capacity reductions stem from a federal government shutdown causing staffing shortages among air-traffic controllers. Although controllers are essential workers required to continue working without pay, the shortage has created system strain.
Department of Transportation officials described the situation as having "staffing triggers" at air traffic facilities nationwide, leading to "strain on the system."
Flight Delay Statistics and Capacity Cuts
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reported 2,740 flight delays last weekend, with expectations that delays will worsen if the shutdown continues. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy announced on Wednesday that flight capacity would be reduced at 40 high-traffic airports starting Friday.
- Flight capacity cuts begin at 4% on Friday
- Increase to 6% on Tuesday
- Rise to 8% on the following Thursday
- Reach 10% cutbacks by next Friday
Additional Restrictions from the FAA
The FAA has also limited commercial space launches and reentries to the hours after 10 p.m. Parachute operations and photographic missions near the affected airports are currently prohibited.
Author's Summary
The ongoing federal shutdown has significantly reduced flight capacity and increased delays at major airports due to understaffed air traffic control, with stricter restrictions affecting air operations further.