Airports Facing Temporary Shutdowns: Current Status And Insights

As of January 12, 2025, several airports in the United States are experiencing general arrival and departure delays of 15 minutes or less. These airports include Portland International Airport (PDX), Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA), San Francisco International Airport (SFO), and many others. It is important to note that these conditions are subject to change and may not reflect the current status of the airports. For the most up-to-date information, it is recommended to check with the specific airport or airline directly.

Portland International Airport (PDX)

As of 24 December 2024, Portland International Airport (PDX) is open and operational. However, travellers are advised to arrive earlier than usual to navigate the new airport space, which opened in August 2024. There are new airline check-in stations, security checkpoints, and exit lanes. Construction detours are in place between the main terminal and Concourses B and E.

At the time of writing, Portland International Airport is experiencing some delays. There are gate hold and taxi delays of 15 minutes or less for departure traffic, and airborne delays of 15 minutes or less for arrival traffic. If you are travelling to Dallas/Ft Worth International Airport (DFW), expect delays of around 3 hours and 27 minutes, due to staffing issues.

The airport offers valet parking, and parking availability and costs can be calculated online. There are 15-20 local shops and restaurants in the main terminal, as well as currency exchange services. The airport also has a publication, Portside, which offers updates on PDX art and music, as well as news releases.

For further information, the airport can be contacted on the following numbers:

• Local: 503.460.4234
• Toll Free: 1.877.739.4636
• TDD: 1.800.815.4636
• Lost & Found: 503.460.4272

Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA)

As of the 5th of January 2025, the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) is open and operational, however, there are some delays to be aware of.

Delays by Destination:

Due to adverse weather and wind conditions, departure traffic to Dallas/Ft Worth International Airport, Dallas-Ft Worth, TX (DFW) is experiencing delays of approximately 2 hours and 17 minutes. These are, of course, subject to change.

Other Departure Delays:

There are also some delays for those departing from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport to other destinations. Traffic is experiencing gate hold and taxi delays of 15 minutes or less. This is due to high volumes.

Arrival Delays:

For those arriving at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, there are airborne delays of 15 minutes or less.

Please note that this information is not flight-specific and individual airlines should be consulted to determine if a particular flight is affected. Conditions and delays are subject to change, so it is recommended to check for updates and stay informed through official channels.

San Francisco International Airport (SFO)

As of 8 January 2025, San Francisco International Airport (SFO) is experiencing some issues and disruptions.

On 6 January 2025, SFO flights were delayed by nearly an hour due to adverse weather conditions affecting the Bay Area. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reported that flights arriving at SFO were subject to significant delays, with travellers facing potential wait times of up to five hours. These delays were attributed to an atmospheric river weather phenomenon.

On 2 January 2025, SFO experienced general departure and arrival delays, with traffic encountering gate hold and taxi delays of 15 minutes or less, while arrival traffic faced airborne delays of 15 minutes or less.

Additionally, on 2 January 2025, departure flights to Aspen-Pitkin Co/Sardy Field Airport in Aspen, Colorado (ASE), were delayed by an average of 3 hours and 51 minutes due to weather-related issues and low ceilings. Departure flights to Eagle County Regional Airport in Eagle, Colorado (EGE), also experienced delays, averaging 1 hour and 32 minutes due to volume-related concerns.

It is recommended that travellers check the status of their flights with their respective airlines, as specific flight information may vary.

San Jose International Airport (SJC)

As of the 1st of January 2025, San Jose International Airport (SJC) is open and operational. However, travellers are advised that the airport is experiencing some delays.

Departure Delays

Due to weather conditions and low ceilings, flights destined for Aspen-Pitkin Co/Sardy Field Airport, Aspen, CO (ASE) are facing delays of around 2 hours and 17 minutes. Similarly, flights to Washington Dulles International Airport, Washington, DC (IAD) are subject to delays, averaging 1 hour and 9 minutes, due to wind and weather conditions. In addition, departure traffic from San Jose International Airport is experiencing gate hold and taxi delays of 15 minutes or less.

Arrival Delays

There are also minor airborne arrival delays of 15 minutes or less.

TSA Recommendations

The TSA advises passengers to arrive at the airport 2 hours prior to their scheduled departure time for domestic flights and 3 hours prior for international flights. Only ticketed passengers are allowed beyond the security checkpoints. Security checkpoints open at 4:00 a.m. in Terminal A and 4:15 a.m. in Terminal B.

Additional Information

International arrivals are directed to the right-hand side of the roadway in front of the International Arrivals Building, located just past Terminal A ticketing lobbies. ZIPAIR ticket counters are in Terminal B, but their flights depart from Terminal A.

Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)

As of January 10, 2025, Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) is facing several operational challenges. The airport is experiencing general departure and arrival delays due to RWY-TAXI/MAINTENANCE issues. Departure delays to Harry Reid International Airport in Las Vegas, NV (LAS) are more significant, with an average delay of 2 hours and 7 minutes. Gate hold and taxi delays for other departures are 15 minutes or less, while arrival delays are airborne and within 15 minutes.

LAX has also outlined an Emergency Contingency Plan to address excessive tarmac delays and ensure the efficient management of diverted flights. This plan includes procedures for deplaning passengers, sharing facilities and gates, and providing a sterile area for passengers who have not cleared Customs and Border Protection. The airport acknowledges facility constraints, including limited gate access and international arrival staging, and encourages aircraft operators to coordinate with the Airport Response Coordination Center (ARCC) for diverted flights.

LAX is a large hub airport with numerous terminals serving various airlines, including Cathay Pacific Airlines, China Southern Airlines, El Al Israel Airlines, and KLM Royal Dutch Airlines. The airport provides essential services such as ground transportation, customs and immigration, and lost and found. It also offers terminal maps, guides, tips, and information on art programs and amenities to enhance the travel experience.

Passengers travelling through LAX are advised to check with their respective airlines for specific flight status updates and potential impacts on their journeys. Real-time status information can be found on the FAA's Air Traffic Control System Command Center website, providing an overview of general airport conditions.

Frequently asked questions