PDX travelers deal with shutdown cancellations, delays

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — Travelers at Portland International Airport experienced some of the delays and cancellations affecting flights across the United States due to the government shutdown and FAA decision to cut up to 10% of flights to help air traffic controllers.

As of 3:45 p.m. Saturday, PDX reported 1 canceled and 29 delayed flights.

PDX — Flight cancellations and delays

Major hubs like New York, Los Angeles and Chicago are among those affected. The ripple effects could mean more cancellations, longer delays and fuller flights for travelers across the country. The cutbacks will impact hundreds if not thousands of flights daily.

Alaska Airlines — latest statement
United Airlines — latest statement and information

Along with PDX, the airports affected include Seattle, plus the country’s busiest airport — Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport in Georgia — and the main airports in Boston, Denver, Honolulu, Las Vegas, Miami, San Francisco and Salt Lake City. Multiple airports will be impacted in some metropolitan hubs, including New York, Houston, Chicago and Washington.

Even if the shutdown ends soon, the FAA has said it would not lift the flight restrictions until staffing at airport towers and regional air traffic centers makes it safe to do so.

Airlines say they will let their customers know if their flight is called off.

Still, it doesn’t hurt to check your airline’s app or a flight-tracking site for updates before you leave for the airport. It’s better to be stuck at home or in a hotel than stranded in a terminal.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.