FAA was required to slow down flight traffic Thursday night because of a lack of air traffic staff.
The Federal Aviation Administration was required to slow flight traffic on Thursday night because of a lack of staff in the air traffic control tower. Nearly 200 flight departures and arrivals were delayed.
FAA and airport officials confirmed Friday that normal flight operations had resumed, but travelers should still expect longer security lines. Agents with the Transportation Security Administrationand many employees, in San Diego and across the nation, are not coming to work. Staff shortages in the traffic control tower were not related to funding struggles, airport officials said. President Trump on Friday signed an executive emergency order to immediately pay TSA agents. Details were scarce on when checks would arrive, and a political battle in Congress over funding the Department of Homeland Security continued in earnest Friday. San Diego International Airport is encouraging travelers to arrive 2 1/2 hours before their flight’s departure time. In addition to security delays, the airport is especially busy because of spring break. Lines tend to be longest during the morning hours of 5 to 7, with an uptick around noon to about 1 p.m., and again from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., San Diego airport officials said., and three cancellations. That was within normal delays at the airport, which can be caused by everything from weather issues in other locations to simple maintenance issues. Later in the day delays had ticked up to 89.Fourth Padres suitor becomes publicNightmare start for Nick Pivetta, Padres in opening-day loss to TigersShortage of air traffic controllers triggers heavy delays at San Diego airportSDG&E trying to figure out what caused big power outage Thursday night Firefighters should take 1 or 2 minutes to prepare for a call. San Diego’s take 4, audit finds. Here’s what’s to blame. Firefighters should take 1 or 2 minutes to prepare for a call. San Diego’s take 4, audit finds. Here’s what’s to blame.
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