FAA Imposes Flight Reductions Affecting Norfolk and Newport News Airports

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has ordered a temporary slowdown in airline traffic across 40 major airports in the United States, which will indirectly impact operations at Norfolk International Airport and Newport News Williamsburg Airport. This decision comes amid a government shutdown that began on October 1, 2023, leaving air traffic controllers working without pay.

The FAA’s directive requires airlines to reduce their flight schedules by 4% by 06:00 on November 10, 6% by November 11, 8% by November 13, and ultimately 10% by November 14, according to data from Flightradar24. Among the 40 designated “high impact airports,” those nearest to the Virginia area include Washington Dulles International Airport, Reagan Washington International Airport, and Baltimore/Washington International Airport.

Airlines such as American Airlines, Southwest Airlines, Delta Airlines, and United Airlines are expected to be most affected by these reductions. Despite the FAA’s measures, operations at Norfolk International Airport remained normal as of Thursday, according to a spokesperson for the airport.

A recent survey conducted by pilots comparing flight arrivals at Norfolk International Airport (ORF) showed minimal disruptions. Flights from major airports in Atlanta, Dallas, New York, Denver, Orlando, Miami, San Francisco, Houston, Chicago, and Charlotte reported only slight reductions, particularly from Dallas (-2), New York (-1), and Charlotte (-1). Meanwhile, some flights from other regions experienced increases in arrivals.

For travelers and those picking up passengers, the Norfolk airport spokesperson emphasized the importance of staying informed about flight statuses. “The best advice I can share for flyers or those picking up is to stay abreast of the specific status of their flights using their airline’s app or website,” the spokesperson noted. They added, “There’s always lots of talk about total cancellation tallies or average delays, but none of that matters to someone if their flight isn’t among those impacted.”

As the situation evolves, it remains crucial for travelers in the Norfolk and Newport News areas to monitor updates from their airlines to ensure a smooth journey. The FAA’s flight reductions highlight the ongoing challenges facing the aviation industry amid operational constraints and the ongoing government shutdown.