TPA could see disruptions as FAA cuts flights
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Tampa International Airport is bracing for a 10% cut in air traffic starting Friday as staffing shortages linked to the government shutdown snarl travel at airports nationwide.
Why it matters: The cuts, which will result in delays and flight cancellations, come ahead of the Thanksgiving holiday — already one of the busiest travel weeks of the year.
- Disruptions to travel during that week could affect personal travel and also negatively impact local economies.
- 60% of Americans are already reconsidering travel plans amid uncertainty, per a U.S. Travel Association news release.
What they're saying: In a statement on its website, TPA said it was awaiting details on how the reductions could affect the airport.
- "TPA does not manage flight schedules," the airport noted. "Any changes to routes are determined and communicated by individual carriers."
The FAA's Tampa field office could not be reached by email on Thursday, returning only an automatic reply saying it would respond once "funding is restored."
The big picture: TPA is among the largest airports in the U.S., servicing about 600 flights each day.
- Miami International Airport (MIA) and Orlando International (MCO) will also be impacted.
Zoom in: Southwest Airlines, the largest carrier at TPA, said it would notify travelers of canceled flights using the contact information provided at the time of booking and would rebook them on another flight.
- If the new itinerary does not work, travelers may change their flight, according to the carrier's website. Those whose flights are canceled and who choose not to travel are eligible for a refund.
Go deeper: What to do if the FAA cuts or cancels your flight
Axios' Mike D'Onofrio contributed.