Fresno Yosemite International Airport sees flight delays as FAA orders cancellations

FRESNO, Calif. (KSEE/KGPE) – The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) ordered airlines to cancel 10% of their flights at 40 of the nation’s biggest airports.

This comes as AAA spokesperson Doug Johnson predicts a record-breaking travel season.

“We are expecting higher numbers, record-breaking numbers than last year. However, that all could change. It all really depends on how long the government shutdown continues,” Johnson said.

The FAA’s goal is to lighten the load on air traffic controllers amidst the government shutdown.

“From what I believe, this is being done for safety purposes,” Fresno travel agent Kristi Emo with Your Dream Escapes Travel said.

Five California airports will see those cuts: Los Angeles International, Oakland International, Ontario International, San Diego International, and San Francisco International.

“Fresno and Sacramento are not on the list because we’re relatively small regional airports compared to all of the others. I mean, the 40 that are impacted are the largest, busiest airports in the U.S.,” Emo said.

She says, even though the Fresno Yosemite International Airport will not see mandated cancellations, many of the airports it connects to will. 

The airport confirmed in a statement that they are already seeing delays as a result.

Aircraft traffic flow and temporary ground stops at other major airports such as DEN, LAX, and DFW have already caused sporadic flight delays at FAT. Now, these flight delays are expected to be more of a certainty with the proposed reduction. FAT is committed to ensuring the safety and security of the traveling public and continues to work closely with its federal partners on tracking this situation.
Fresno Yosemite International Airport

“Make sure that they have the airline’s app on their phones. If they are not comfortable having an app on their phone, like some older people might not be, then the airline’s website,” Emo recommended.

She says the airline’s app is the quickest way to learn about flight delays or cancellations.

She added that airlines will refund flights cancelled because of the new regulations. However, for those who want to avoid the potential chaos altogether, AAA recommends hitting the road instead.

“Consider driving,” Johnson said. “Maybe you’re going from Fresno down to San Diego. I know it’s a long drive, but it is doable. There’s a lot of places you can get to, especially on the West Coast, by just driving.”

The more people who take his advice, the busier the roads could be. So experts say, no matter how you travel, remember your manners.

“‘Please and thank you,’ and try to understand what people are going through. It’s kind of stressful for everybody in this situation,” Emo said.