Long lines, concerns Charlotte airport amid FAA flight reductions
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (WTVD) -- Long lines and lingering concerns at Charlotte-Douglas International Airport, a hub for one of the largest carriers in the world.
The airport is one of the 40 impacted by the FAA and DOT calls for flight reductions to reduce the strain on air traffic controllers and TSA workers all working without pay.
A 4% reduction in flights began on Friday and will increase gradually, reaching 10% by next Friday. American Airlines is the dominant carrier and operates roughly 90% of departure flights at Charlotte.
Travelers are being urged to arrive early. The airline is offering a refund, without penalty, to those who have a flight cancelled or choose not to travel.
Travelers are heading out of town for the weekend are concerned about issues on the back end of their trip.
Kathryn Haines, a passenger at the Charlotte airport, told ABC11 Eyewitness News she is grateful for airport workers keeping passengers safe, but she is preparing for the possibility to not make it back home.
"I am a little concerned about navigating what it would be like to be kind of stranded somewhere," she said.
American Airlines said in a statement: "While there are currently no major impacts to airport operations, travelers should anticipate possible delays and cancellations. Passengers are advised to check their flight status with their airline before coming to the Airport and arrive at the terminal at least two hours before domestic departures and three hours before international flights."
The ABC News data team conducted a deeper analysis of the affected airports.
Among the 40 airports facing reduced flights, 21 are among the 25 busiest in terms of cargo weight. Also, all 25 of the busiest airports in terms of passenger traffic, as recorded last year, are included.
