Takeoffs out of North Texas remained normal at Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport and Dallas Love Field on Thursday. However, that may not be the case for long.
To reduce pressure on air traffic controllers, the Federal Aviation Administration has directed airlines to cut 10% of their flights at 40 of the nation’s busiest airports. The cuts take effect on Friday and could affect travelers in Dallas.
Dallas Love Field reported normal operations on Thursday with no major disruptions. In a statement to NBC 5, a spokesperson said, “While the entire air traffic system is preparing for flight disruptions, DAL has not received directives from its local, on-site FAA management about any specific and significant operational changes as of now. The airport also does not know which particular flights will be impacted by cancellations or delays.”
According to FlightAware.com, five flights out of Love Field had been cancelled as of Thursday afternoon.
At DFW, lines remained light and most flights departed on schedule. FlightAware reported two cancellations at DFW as of Thursday afternoon.
A DFW spokesperson told NBC 5, “The FAA is responsible for airspace management… I can tell you generally that we ask passengers to continue to check their flight schedules with their airline for any possible changes and allow extra time at the airport.”
Airlines said reductions are expected to focus on regional and domestic routes. American, Southwest, Delta and United said international flights will not be affected.
American Airlines said, “Customers whose flights are cancelled for any reason or who choose not to travel will be able to change their flight or request a refund, without any penalty.”
Southwest Airlines said most flights will be automatically rebooked and customers will receive a notification. Delta said it expects to operate the majority of its flights as scheduled.
Travelers at DFW told NBC 5 they have not experienced issues but are staying alert.
“Ever since I woke up this morning, I was checking security lines,” traveler Allie Newman said. Newman, flying to Orange County, added, “The longest (line) was like 20 minutes. I was a little bit worried, but I haven’t seen anything to be concerned about here at DFW.”
Some said the FAA’s warning has them more cautious heading into the holidays.
“Yes, I’m worried because you never know with nature, about cancellation or delay, but ain’t nobody got time for that,” traveler Jaylen Poindexter said.
The warning comes as air traffic controllers continue working without pay during the ongoing government shutdown. The FAA said the staffing shortages have already caused some reductions in other parts of the country, though no widespread cancellations have been reported in Dallas.
Dr. Stephen Mattingly, a UT Arlington professor who has researched the FAA for more than two decades, said the cuts are notable.
“I’ve definitely been involved in some of their centers of excellence, especially back when I was at the University of Alaska,” Mattingly said. “What we’re seeing here with the reduction in flights is really fairly unprecedented. Based on my career period, at least, I don’t recall having anything outside of 9/11 where we’ve really seen a curtailment of flights.”
He added that the FAA’s decision is centered on safety.
“It’s better to introduce delays and travel challenges, even potential economic disruptions, as opposed to putting people’s lives at risk,” Mattingly said. “But obviously, this is a horrible time of year for this to suddenly occur. I don’t know for sure what their plan is and if they’re planning on trying to boost service back up for the week of Thanksgiving, but there will be an awful lot of disappointed travelers if they don’t.”
With Thanksgiving three weeks away, travelers are urged to monitor their flight status through their airline’s website or app and plan for possible changes.
For now, skies over Dallas remain clear and flights continue to run on time.