Flight cancellations began at Love Field and Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport on Friday, following the federal shutdown, which led to staffing shortages.
The Federal Aviation Administration issued an order to cancel 4% of flights at 40 airports nationwide – including DFW and Love Field, starting November 7, as The Dallas Express reported. Now, flight cancellations are starting to take a toll.
As of publication, DFW had seen 59 flights canceled, with 27 arrival flights and 32 departure flights. Meanwhile, Love Field had seen 18 flights canceled, with nine arrival flights and nine departure flights.
When flight cancellations began across the country, they did not affect Dallas as severely as other cities in Texas. As of publication, DFW had only canceled 3% of departures and 2% of arrivals, and Love Field had only canceled 2% of both arrivals and departures.
Meanwhile, George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston had canceled four departures and four arrivals – 22% of each. Austin-Bergstrom International Airport had also canceled two departures and two arrivals – 16% of each. Per the FAA, Austin was facing an average 47-minute delay due to “staffing.”
Across America, staffing shortages caused delays at airports including Ronald Reagan Washington National, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International, and Newark International.
The Dallas Express reached out to the FAA, but received an automatic reply.
“Due to a lapse in funding, the FAA is not responding to routine media inquiries,” the reply read. “There have been increased staffing shortages across the system. When that happens, the FAA slows traffic into some airports to ensure safe operations.”
DFW Public Information Officer Zachary Greiner told The Dallas Express that airlines are responsible for managing their own flight schedules.
“We ask passengers to continue to check their flight schedules with their airline for any possible changes and allow extra time at the airport,” Greiner said. “Our website and app provide detailed, real-time information on both flights and TSA wait times.”
Travelers can visit dfwairport.com for flight information, and can download the DFW Airport app to check security wait times.
Love Field Public Information Coordinator Patrick Clarke told The Dallas Express that specific questions should be directed to the FAA and the individual airlines, as the airport maintains the facilities and the airfield.
“While early arrival is still advised, the most accurate and up-to-date flight statuses can be found on the airline’s mobile apps, websites, or by contacting their customer service teams,” Clarke said. “DAL is committed to maintaining a safe and operational airport as it supports its federal and airline partners during the shutdown.”
FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford previously stated that the unprecedented measures are necessary for safety amid increased stress on the system, as reported by The Dallas Express.
“We’re in new territory in terms of government shutdowns,” Bedford said at the time, according to The AP.
The FAA ordered a 4% flight reduction by November 7, a 6% reduction by November 11, an 8% reduction by November 13, and a 10% reduction starting November 14.
Bedford and Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said they plan to meet with airline leaders to determine the best way to implement the reductions, as reported by The Dallas Express.