March 27, 2024

FAA Warns Total Solar Eclipse Could Impact Air Travel


As Americans prepare to witness the total solar eclipse on April 8, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued a warning that the event could impact air travel at airports located in the path of totality.

According to the New York Post, the FAA issued a series of “special air traffic procedures” on Thursday that outlined which airports could be “subject to operational changes,” as well as the possible impact on the industry.

The FAA’s bulletin provided data about the hundreds of airports located near the path totality, including Dallas-Fort Worth International, Indianapolis International and Cleveland International.

Based on the last solar eclipse, the National Air Traffic Controllers Association (NATCA) said air traffic increased between 20-40 percent in the path of totality. Officials said it is the rise in civilian aircraft that “causes numbers to exceed holiday traffic volumes.”

Another concern being addressed by the FAA is the possibility of bad weather in the impacted areas, which would result in significant delays. The federal agency said it would issue special restrictions three-to-five days before the event.

Several major airlines, including Delta and Southwest, are offering special path of totality flights, which will ensure travelers will be able to view the 2024 solar eclipse from the sky.


Copyright 2024 Northstar Travel Media, LLC. All rights reserved. From https://www.travelpulse.com. By Donald Wood.

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