The Federal Aviation Administration is warning travelers and pilots the total solar eclipse in April could snarl air traffic, especially at airports located in what is known as the path of totality.
This year, an imminent total solar eclipse is set to grace the skies on April 8th. According to the Federal Aviation Administration, this event could potentially disrupt air travel and cause inconvenience for certain travelers and pilots due to possible flight delays. In response, the FAA has issued a cautionary notice advising people not to panic.
The eclipse is expected to pass through Mexico, Canada, and the United States, affecting air traffic and airports along its path from April 7th to April 10th, as outlined in the FAA notice detailing special air traffic procedures. This situation may lead to delays for air travelers, particularly as the eclipse coincides with spring break travel, as noted by the agency.
The FAA has forecasted that disruptions in air travel due to the eclipse will occur from 6 AM on April 7th until midnight on April 10th. They noted that while many travelers are heading to their chosen vacation spots, a substantial number are journeying to different states to witness ‘The Great North American Eclipse’ on Monday, April 8th. Consequently, those traveling along the eclipse path might encounter limited parking and possible delays at airports due to the high volume of aircraft and drones seeking to observe the total solar eclipse.
A total solar eclipse, a rare event where the moon passes between the sun and Earth, completely blocking the sun’s face, is a captivating phenomenon for many. According to NASA, the last total solar eclipse visible in the US took place in 2017. The FAA highlighted that numerous travelers are preparing to fly to states where the eclipse is expected to be most visible, spanning from Texas to New England, and airports in these states are likely to be the most affected.
FAA Aviation Safety Expert Kevin Morris mentioned that some travelers are even coordinating their flights to align with the actual eclipse. The FAA foresees a significant increase in air travel for eclipse viewing coinciding with spring break travel, making the upcoming week ‘the busiest of the season.’ The FAA is actively ensuring that pilots are adequately prepared for the eclipse, providing guidance to both commercial and private pilots. This guidance includes preparations for higher-than-usual numbers of aircraft and drones in the area, potential delays, and limited parking at certain airports.
“Remember, never look directly at the sun,” emphasized Morris. According to NASA, observing the sun directly during an eclipse without specialized eye protection for solar viewing is unsafe. While delays and cancellations are expected to be rare, the FAA recommends that travelers check the status of their flights and find essential travel tips on the FAA website before heading to the airport.
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