Government Shutdown Causes Major Flight Disruptions at San Diego Airport

San Diego International Airport is currently facing significant disruptions due to the ongoing government shutdown. FlightAware reported that over the weekend, approximately 80 flights were canceled, and as many as 10,000 flights nationwide were affected. As of Monday morning, FlightAware indicated that 50 flights had been canceled at San Diego, with an additional 50 delays reported. The situation has left many travelers either scrambling for alternative arrangements or stranded at the airport.

The cancellations and delays are largely attributed to staffing shortages among air traffic controllers, many of whom are not reporting for work due to the financial strain caused by the shutdown. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy noted that some controllers have opted to take second jobs or call in sick as they have gone nearly a month without pay. The National Air Traffic Controllers Association stated that this has resulted in increased stress on the system, leading to what they refer to as "staffing triggers" at facilities nationwide.

To mitigate the impact of these staffing shortages, the U.S. Department of Transportation announced a series of capacity reductions across 40 major airports, including San Diego International. These cuts started at 4% and are expected to rise to as much as 10% by the end of the week if the shutdown persists. This decision aims to alleviate pressure on the remaining air traffic controllers who are working overtime under increasingly stressful conditions.

Travelers at San Diego International have been advised to check with their airlines for updates on their flights. Major airlines, including United, Southwest, and Delta, have implemented policies allowing passengers to change or cancel flights without incurring penalties. For instance, United Airlines has advised customers flying between November 6 and 13 that they can request refunds or reschedule at no additional cost.

The situation at San Diego is reflective of broader nationwide issues, with U.S. airlines reporting more than 1,500 cancellations on Saturday alone and nearly 2,900 on Sunday. The FAA has also limited commercial space launches and re-entries to nighttime hours, further complicating air traffic management.

Transportation Secretary Duffy warned that if the government shutdown continues, air travel could be reduced to a trickle, particularly as the busy Thanksgiving holiday approaches. The potential for increased disruptions looms as delays and cancellations are expected to worsen, creating a chaotic environment for travelers. As the Senate attempts to negotiate a resolution, the air travel sector remains on edge, grappling with the repercussions of the shutdown on their operational capabilities and customer satisfaction.