LAS VEGAS (KLAS) — The FAA is expected to release an official list of dozens of airports that will be impacted by the directive to reduce flights for safety reasons. Still, on Thursday morning, news outlets began reporting which airports would be affected, based on a list distributed to airlines.
This comes as the government shutdown enters its second month and as concerns about air traffic safety grow. The cancellation of potentially thousands of flights will likely create uncertainty among travelers.
According to the Associated Press, Harry Reid International Airport is on the list, along with New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Houston, San Francisco, San Diego, Salt Lake City, Phoenix, Seattle, Atlanta, Denver, Dallas, and Orlando. Last year, more than 58 million people passed through Reid International Airport.
The reduction in flights will impact 40 major U.S. airports and thousands of flights beginning Friday, Nov. 7. The decrease will start gradually and then increase to 10% next week.
Airlines are responding to the directive, and travelers could start receiving flight cancellation notices today. Delta, one of the largest U.S. airlines, announced Thursday morning that it’s reducing flights, affecting customers.
FAA reducing air traffic by 10% across 40 ‘high-volume’ markets
Southwest Airlines, the dominant airline at Harry Reid International Airport, reached out to customers on social media on Wednesday, saying it will notify travelers if flights are canceled.
“In most cases, we will automatically rebook you on another flight.”
Southwest said if customers decide not to travel, they will be eligible for a refund.
Delta said it expects to operate the vast majority of its flights as scheduled, including all long-haul international flights, and is working to minimize customer service.
“We are providing additional flexibility to all of our customers during the impacted travel period to change, cancel, or refund their flights, including our basic economy fares, without penalty,” Delta Airlines said.
American Airlines said on social media that it expects the “vast majority of customers’ travel will proceed as planned, and we will proactively reach out to customers who are impacted.”
People with upcoming flights on any airline are encouraged to check their flight status or download the airline app for the latest information.
