by Donald Wood
Last updated: 8:50 AM ET, Fri March 22, 2024
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.
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