SAV Officials: Check your airline for the latest flight updates, expect possible delays at major airports

by Joe Hennessy

SAVANNAH, Ga. (WTOC) - Planes are soaring through the skies in Savannah, but people flying out of Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport, landing at major airports, will soon see fewer options as the government shutdown continues.

“We extend our sincere gratitude to all TSA Agents, Air Traffic Controllers, and Customs & Border Protection Officers for their steadfast commitment to keeping our traveling public safe,” the airport wrote in a Facebook post at around 11:30 a.m. on Thursday. ”If you’re flying soon, be sure to check with your airline for the latest flight updates and expect possible delays at major airports.”

There are around 40 connections from Atlanta throughout the day on Thursday alone, more than 20 in New York at the John F. Kennedy International Airport, 11 at Chicago O’Hare International Airport, and nine more at the Charlotte Douglas International Airport, to name a few.

The Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) released a statement before 11 a.m. on Thursday as well, saying in part that they have not been notified of any reductions there. Their airline partners, including American Airlines, will determine and communicate any schedule changes.

CLT Airport has been recognized among the 40 airports for reducing flight schedules; however, we have not been notified of any reductions at CLT at this time.
Our airline partners, including American, will determine and communicate any schedule changes directly to customers.
CLT remains in close communication with our federal and airline partners to stay informed and responsive as needed.
There are currently no significant impacts to airport operations.
Passengers should check flight status with their airline and plan to arrive in the terminal two hours before domestic flights and three hours before international flights.
We extend our sincere thanks to all our partners, especially TSA and ATC staff, for their continued commitment to ensuring travelers reach their destinations safely.
@CLTAirport

The FAA responded to WTOC’s request for comment about local impacts, and they wrote in part that, as Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said before, the FAA slows traffic into some airports to ensure safe operations because there have been increased staffing shortages across the system.

The Savannah Airport provided WTOC with the following statement:

Airlines are working with the FAA on implementation of the impending flight operation reductions.
While our airport is not on the list of targeted airports, we can expect that all airports will be impacted to some degree.
Travelers should contact their airlines with any questions they may have related to their flight plans.
Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport

Our sister station, Atlanta News First, reports that an aviation analytics firm estimates as many as 1,800 flights could be stopped with upwards of 268,000 seats left empty starting on Friday.

List of airports impacted:

ANC - Anchorage International

ATL - Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International

BOS - Boston Logan International

BWI - Baltimore/Washington International

CLT - Charlotte Douglas International

CVG - Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International

DAL - Dallas Love

DCA - Ronald Reagan Washington National

DEN - Denver International

DFW - Dallas/Fort Worth International

DTW - Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County