Flight Cancellations Begin at LAX and ONT Amid Government-Ordered Cuts
Airlines are alerting passengers to expect possible disruptions as the U.S. Department of Transportation enforces a 10% reduction in flight capacity at numerous major airports nationwide. This government-mandated adjustment shows no signs of ending soon.
Impact on Southern California Airports
Starting this morning, travelers departing from Los Angeles International (LAX), Ontario International (ONT), and San Diego International airports should prepare for flight delays and cancellations. Nearly 700 flights scheduled for Friday were canceled nationwide, according to FlightAware, a flight tracking website. This figure is four times greater than the cancellations reported on Thursday and is expected to rise.
- Some passengers at LAX and ONT already face canceled flights and disrupted connections.
- Travel plans at affected Southern California airports are being severely disrupted.
Situation at San Francisco International Airport (SFO)
In the Bay Area, San Francisco International Airport experienced a full ground stop shortly before 4 a.m. due to staffing shortages. No arriving flights were allowed into SFO on Friday morning.
“Due to staffing, departure traffic destined to San Francisco International Airport … will not be allowed to depart until at or after 8:45 a.m. PST.”
This air traffic statement from the airport was reported by NBC News Bay Area. Additionally, as of 4 a.m., SFO was experiencing average ground delays of one hour and six minutes according to an FAA advisory.
Summary
The government-enforced reduction in flight capacity is causing widespread cancellations and delays at key California airports, greatly affecting travelers’ plans without a clear resolution in sight.
Author’s Take
Government-mandated cuts in flight operations have triggered significant travel disruptions across major California airports, highlighting the critical impact of staffing shortages on air travel reliability.