Us Airport Shutdowns: What's The Deal?

Airport shutdowns are often due to unforeseen circumstances, such as weather conditions, security threats, or other emergencies. In the United States, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) provides real-time information on airport delays and disruptions. The FAA's website offers a comprehensive map of US airports, allowing users to check for delays by region or by searching for a specific airport. This resource is particularly useful for travellers and airlines to stay updated on potential travel disruptions and make informed decisions regarding flight arrivals and departures.

Weather conditions affecting airport operations

Weather conditions can have a significant impact on airport operations, leading to delays, diversions, or even complete shutdowns. Here are some key ways in which weather can affect airport operations:

Low Visibility and Adverse Weather Conditions

Low clouds, fog, and rain can reduce visibility, making it challenging for pilots to navigate during take-off and landing. In some cases, fog can lead to fatal accidents, as it did in the worst aviation accident in history at Tenerife North–Ciudad de La Laguna Airport in 1977. While modern aircraft and airports have equipment to enable operations in foggy conditions, it can still cause issues during ground taxiing. Additionally, heavy snow can also result in poor visibility and make it difficult for planes to manoeuvre on the ground.

High Winds

Wind speed and direction play a critical role in determining which runways can be used. Aircraft typically take off and land into the wind, and while they can land with the wind under certain conditions, strong winds can force the use of alternative runways or even diversion to another airport. Crosswinds become a concern when they exceed 15 knots, potentially affecting aircraft stability during take-off and landing.

Thunderstorms and Lightning

Thunderstorms create up and downdrafts, causing turbulence and making aircraft challenging to control. During severe thunderstorms, aircraft cannot take off or land, and those en route may be diverted to alternative airports. Lightning also poses a severe threat to ground operations, bringing all ground activities to a halt as it can be fatal to ground handlers.

Weather is a significant factor in airport delays, accounting for 70% according to Federal Aviation Authority (FAA) statistics. While airports employ various measures to mitigate the impact of adverse weather, such as snow-clearing equipment and anti-ice chemicals, severe weather conditions can still lead to disruptions and even airport shutdowns.

Airport delays and cancellations

When there are widespread airport delays and cancellations, it is usually due to severe weather conditions. This could be local weather conditions at the airport, or it could be due to weather in another part of the country that affects incoming and outgoing flights. For example, a snowstorm in the northeast US could cause delays and cancellations at airports in that region but could also impact flights elsewhere, as planes may need rerouting or rescheduling.

To check if your flight might be affected by delays or cancellations, you can check the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) website, which provides a map of US airports and details about any delays. You can view this information by region or by searching for a specific airport. It's also a good idea to verify your flight's arrival and departure times with your airline, as the information may not always apply to your specific flight.

In addition to weather, other factors like air traffic control issues, staffing shortages, security incidents, or even unexpected events such as wildlife on the runway can contribute to airport delays and cancellations. It's always a good idea to be prepared for potential delays by allowing extra time when travelling and being flexible with your travel plans.

Live updates on airport closures

As of January 15, 2025, Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport has reported delayed, canceled, and diverted flights due to weather and other conditions in the region. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) advises that a map of US airports and details about delays is available on their website. The FAA also provides information on affected airports by region and by major airport.

It is recommended that travelers verify their flight's arrival or departure time with their airline, as information on delays may not always apply to specific flights. An Extended Tarmac Delay Plan is also available for review.

For real-time operational performance data for the top 60 US airports as of January 18, 2022, sources indicate that a blog called 'A Better Flight Plan' by Airlines for America provides daily updated data.

Please note that this information is time-sensitive and may not reflect the current situation. Always refer to official sources and airline providers for the most up-to-date information.

Regional airport delays

Another significant contributor to regional airport delays is increased air traffic. As travel demand surges post-pandemic, regional airports are experiencing record numbers of passengers, resulting in more congestion and, consequently, delays. This is further exacerbated by the ripple effect of delays from larger airports, as a delay at a major hub can cause a knock-on effect throughout the entire aviation system.

Additionally, weather conditions play a crucial role in regional airport delays. Unpredictable weather events such as storms, fog, and snowstorms can cause significant disruptions to flight schedules. Regional airports are particularly vulnerable to weather-related delays, as they may have fewer resources and alternative options compared to larger airports.

Furthermore, technological glitches and infrastructure upgrades can also lead to delays at regional airports. While technology advancements are meant to improve efficiency, glitches in air traffic control systems or plane software issues can ground flights unexpectedly. Similarly, necessary airport renovations and upgrades can cause short-term bottlenecks and delays until the improvements are completed.

Lastly, regional airports are often impacted by delays originating from other parts of the country. A delay caused by adverse weather conditions in one region can affect flights in other areas, leading to a domino effect of delays across multiple airports. This is due to the interconnected nature of the aviation network, where a problem in one area can quickly spread to other regions.

To conclude, regional airport delays are influenced by various factors, including staffing shortages, increased travel demand, weather conditions, technological issues, infrastructure upgrades, and delays from other regions. Understanding these factors can help passengers prepare accordingly and make informed decisions when planning their travels.

Extended Tarmac Delays

The tarmac delay rule applies only to delays that occur at US airports and to 'covered carriers'. A 'covered carrier' is defined as an airline that operates at least one airplane with a seating capacity of 30 or more passengers to, from, or within the United States.

According to US laws on tarmac delays, any delay of two hours or more requires special attention. After a two-hour delay, passengers must be provided with food, water, operational lavatories, and medical care if needed. After three hours for domestic flights and four hours for international flights, passengers must be given the option to disembark. Airlines are not required to serve full meals during extended tarmac delays, but they must provide enough food and drinking water for all passengers.

There are exceptions to these rules. The time limits do not apply if the pilot determines that there is a safety or security reason to keep passengers on the plane or if air traffic control advises that taxiing to a disembarking location would significantly disrupt airport operations. If an airline offers passengers the opportunity to disembark during a tarmac delay, they are not required to let them back on the plane. Passengers who choose to disembark may be responsible for finding another flight and arranging the return of their checked luggage.

Frequently asked questions