CLAYTON COUNTY, Ga. — Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport experienced significant disruptions today, with 603 flight delays and 407 cancellations as of 4 p.m. due to a government shutdown affecting air traffic control staffing.
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The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has mandated a 10% reduction in air traffic at major airports, including Atlanta, until Nov. 17, as a result of the staffing shortages. Airlines are actively working to assist passengers with refunds and rebookings to mitigate the impact.
U.S. airlines canceled more than 2,100 flights on Sunday, the Associated Press reported.
“Everything looked like it was good until you get the notification as you’re on your way -- you’ve got a delay! That’s what happened to me,” said Mose Cartier, a passenger headed to D.C., who experienced a one-hour delay.
Kyra March, traveling from Florida to New Jersey, shared her experience: “I was coming from Tampa and that flight got delayed, delayed, delayed and then it was cancelled and then rebooked. So I had to stay in a hotel and then came back this morning.”
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Judy Michel, heading to Denver, noted her experience with cancellations, saying, “The other day, getting from Mobile to here, my original flight was cancelled. But I was able to get an earlier flight, so it really didn’t affect me. Just keeping my fingers crossed.”
Passengers at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport faced varying experiences, with some, like Cartier, encountering minor delays, while others, like March, had to deal with cancellations and rebookings. Despite the challenges, some travelers like Judy Michel managed to find alternative flights without significant disruption.
The airport employee’s chant of “All flights! All gates! All airlines!” highlights the bustling activity at the world’s busiest airport, even amidst the operational challenges.
Lisa Cleveland told Channel 2’s Bryan Mims her concerns about the timing of the government shutdown, particularly during the holiday season, emphasizing the need for air traffic controllers to ensure smooth travel experiences.
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