Hundreds of flights were disrupted Monday, Nov. 10, at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport after the Federal Aviation Administration ordered an airport closure.
Air traffic controller shortages resulting from the government shutdown have disrupted flights at Sky Harbor through the week, with ground delays and mandated flight capacity reductions canceling and delaying numerous flights.
The delays continued with an airport closure that took effect at 10 p.m. Nov. 9 and expires at 4:59 p.m. Nov. 10. Flight tracking website FlightAware showed 394 flights to and from Sky Harbor were delayed and 96 flights were canceled as of 9 a.m. Nov. 10.
The FAA’s order does not affect commercial flights; it prohibits general aviation flights such as private jets, public safety, firefighting and military aircraft.
Sky Harbor spokeswoman Monica Hernandez clarified that the airport and security checkpoints remain open. She said that passengers should continue to check their flight status with their airline before arriving.
Michael Salerno is an award-winning journalist who’s covered travel and tourism since 2014. His work as The Arizona Republic’s consumer travel reporter aims to help readers navigate the stresses of traveling and get the best value for their money on their vacations. He can be reached at Michael.Salerno@gannett.com.
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