Urgent Flight Delays Hit San Diego Airport Amid Controller Shortage
UPDATE: Passengers at San Diego International Airport are facing significant disruptions as hundreds of flights have been delayed and dozens cancelled today, due to a nationwide shortage of air traffic controllers exacerbated by the ongoing federal government shutdown.
As of 5 p.m. today, there have been 100 cancellations and nearly 300 delays at San Diego, according to FlightAware.com. The federal mandate to reduce air travel is impacting the 40 busiest airports across the U.S., raising concerns for travelers as the busy holiday season approaches.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) initiated these measures on November 10, starting with a 4% reduction in flights, which is set to increase to 10% by November 14. The restrictions are in effect from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. local time and affect all commercial airlines, although international flights remain unaffected.
U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy warned on Fox News Sunday that if the shutdown continues, air travel could “slow to a trickle,” just as millions prepare to travel for Thanksgiving.
Travelers at the airport are trying to remain calm amid the chaos. Ethan Perdue of Oceanside shared his experience while waiting for his girlfriend’s delayed Southwest Airlines flight to Buffalo. “It’s not that bad,” he said, noting they received timely updates.
The situation is dire nationwide, with over 2,100 flights cancelled and 7,000 delays reported across the U.S. today. Airports are advising passengers to arrive at least two hours before their scheduled departures.
At San Diego’s Terminal 1, long lines formed at check-in, but operations remained orderly. In contrast, Terminal 2 had shorter lines, although information screens showed that eight cancellations and numerous delays were still affecting travelers.
Despite the frustrations, many passengers are managing to keep a positive outlook. One Alaska Airlines employee noted, “A lot of these people are understanding, but you can tell they are irritated.” Meanwhile, shuttle drivers are encouraging arriving passengers to focus on the sunny weather rather than delays.
Travelers are urged to stay updated on their flight status and anticipate potential disruptions as the situation evolves. With the holiday season approaching, the implications of the controller shortage could mean more than just inconveniences for passengers.
Stay tuned for further updates as this situation develops.
