Local News

Florida Airports Stall As Too Many Flights All Try To Leave

/ CBS Miami

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MIAMI (CBSMiami) – Airports in Florida remain open despite slowdown as the FAA manages the volume of flight traffic.

A Traffic Management Program is in effect for Miami International Airport, Ft. Lauderdale-Hollywood Int'l Airport and Orlando International Airport. There wasn't a ground stoppage, but aircraft were delayed in order to increase the spacing between flights in the air.

Dozens of departures and arrivals were cancelled Thursday at MIA due to Hurricane Irma.

MIA hub carrier American Airlines announced that it will begin the process of stopping operations at the airport on Friday afternoon. That stands for Fort Lauderdale, Fort Myers and West Palm Beach, as well.

Further north in Orlando, operations will begin to cease on Saturday at 5 p.m. with all flights on Sunday cancelled.

Airports in Sarasota and Tampa will be monitored and adjustments will be made accordingly.

According to MIA, other airlines are expected to take similar steps. Passengers are urged to contact individual airlines for updates on their flight status before going to the airport.

Additionally, officials are telling passengers not to use the airport as a last resort for evacuation.

American Airlines estimated approximately 1,000 passengers are at MIA without a confirmed reservation.

On Wednesday, Ft. Lauderdale-Hollywood Int'l Airport issued a statement that there had been 108 delays and 27 cancellations due to Hurricane Irma. FLL urged travelers to continue to monitor their flight status and check its social media for updates.

According to American Airlines, 2405 flights have already been cancelled between Thursday and Monday, September 11, as a result of Hurricane Irma.

Additionally, American Airlines has added 16 extra flights leaving from Miami; 12 to Dallas/Fort Worth, one to Philadelphia and three to New York (JFK).

While there are limited seats remaining before the storm hits, American has capped fares at $99 each way for Main Cabin and $199 for the premium cabin. This applies to direct, single leg flights to/from cities covered under the Travel Alert, which is now in place for more than 40 airports.

© 2017 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.

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