SPOKANE, Wash. – The FAA announced Thursday it would be reducing flights by 10% across 40 major airports due to air-traffic controller staffing shortages during the ongoing government shutdown, officially the longest in the nation’s history.
The two closest airports to the Spokane area that will be affected are Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) and the Portland International Airport (PDX), both major hubs that connect Spokane to cities across the country and the world.
The 10% reduction will take effect on November 7.
While the Spokane International Airport (GEG) will not see any direct reductions in flights, delays are still expected to ramp up. Seattle is the most common destination or connection for all outgoing flights from Spokane, with an average estimated 16-20 flights from GEG to SEA every day.
SEA and GEG both released statements addressing the reduction in flights and advising travelers:
“Travelers, continue to check in with your airline for updates and arrive 2 hours ahead of a domestic flight and 3 hours ahead for international.
“If you’d like to support our federal partners and their continued commitment to ensuring you get where you need to go safely, we’re accepting donations for nonperishable foods and essential items at the SEA Conference Center lobby on weekdays from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.,” –Seattle-Tacoma International Airport.
“Spokane International Airport is aware of the FAA’s announcement regarding a planned 10% reduction in air traffic across 40 markets nationwide. While GEG is not among the 40 sites, we are part of a national, interconnected system.
“At this time, we do not know of any direct impact to flights to and from Spokane – and as a standing practice, it is not common for carriers to share granular, flight-specific operational updates with ‘spoke’ airports like GEG.
“For this reason, we strongly encourage passengers to download their airline’s app for the most up-to-date information regarding their specific flight,” –Spokane International Airport.
United Airlines announced that all travelers could cancel their flights for a full refund, even on non-refundable tickets and regardless of if the flight is impacted by the shutdown or not.
The current shutdown officially became the longest in U.S. history on Wednesday, November 5, with no end in sight as both parties remain gridlocked.
