SAN FRANCISCO — The Federal Aviation Administration announced a ground delay program at San Francisco International Airport on Wednesday due to winds affecting arriving and departing aircraft.
The ground delay program will last until 6 p.m. Wednesday and will force airlines to delay departures from other airports before arriving at SFO to keep the number of aircraft arriving below 28 per hour.
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All airports in the continuous United States and Canada have been asked to delay flights bound to SFO. This will not affect other international flights.
Winds are gusting around 16 mph, while clouds and rain are also present. While safe to land, the ground delay program is in place as an additional safety margin.
Over 174 flights have been delayed while only two have been canceled at SFO, according to flight tracking website FlightAware. Delays are currently averaging 55 minutes, but the FAA advisory warns it may extend beyond two hours.
Fellow Bay Area airports are experiencing relatively fewer delays. Oakland San Francisco Bay Airport had 11 delays and San Jose Mineta International Airport had 19.
Travelers are urged to arrive with ample time and to check with their respective carriers.
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