FRESNO, Calif. (FOX26) — Fresno Yosemite International Airport says operations will remain normal despite widespread flight delays and cancellations across the country tied to severe weather and a partial government shutdown.
In a post to Facebook, airport officials say there has been no impact locally, and travelers flying out of Fresno have not experienced the disruptions seen at major hubs.
“We will continue monitoring conditions and sharing updates as needed,” airport officials said in a statement, adding they are grateful to TSA officers for continuing to serve passengers during the ongoing shutdown.
Travelers are still encouraged to plan ahead before heading to the airport.
Officials recommend arriving at least two hours before a domestic flight and three hours before an international flight, preparing for security screenings by removing prohibited items, and checking flight status directly with airlines.
The update comes as thousands of flights nationwide have been canceled or delayed.
According to flight-tracking service FlightAware, more than 4,400 flights across the U.S. were canceled on March 16, while more than 10,000 were delayed.
Additional cancellations have already been reported for Tuesday.
Major airports in cities like New York, Chicago, and Atlanta have been hit hardest as powerful storms move across the eastern half of the country, bringing heavy snow, high winds, and the threat of tornadoes.
At the same time, the partial government shutdown, now stretching into its second month, has placed added strain on airport security staffing.
The shutdown, which began February 14, affects the Transportation Security Administration, with some officers working without pay.
Officials say staffing shortages have led to longer security lines at some airports, particularly as spring break travel ramps up and fans head to March Madness tournaments.