Cancellations soar as FAA flight reductions begin at NC's Charlotte Douglas International
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (WTVD) -- Anxiety grows for travelers at Charlotte Douglas International Airport as nationwide flight reductions spark delays and cancellations.
Friday marked the start of the FAA's mandated flight reductions, affecting 40 airports nationwide, including Charlotte Douglas International.
The FAA has said the reduction is meant to make the skies safer as the government shutdown continues and as the agency experiences air traffic control staffing issues.
A 4% reduction in flights began Friday and will increase gradually, reaching 10% by next Friday.
Stearline and James Rucker are waiting for a flight home to Minneapolis on Friday after coming to Charlotte for a wedding.
They got to the airport as soon as they could on Friday after hearing about the flight reductions.
"They cut the flights. We said that's a terrible thing to do when you got people all in limbo," said S. Rucker.
They're worried about missing important appointments if their flight gets cancelled.
Click here to see a map of the affected airports.
"I have a doctor's appointment that I have to be at on Monday," said J. Rucker. "And otherwise I would have to call and cancel that."
American Airlines tells ABC11 it cancelled at least 18 out of 588 departures on Friday in Charlotte, roughly 3% of the airline's departures.
American Airlines is the dominant carrier and operates roughly 90% of departure flights at Charlotte.
Nick Souter is traveling to Arizona for a bachelor party, and says one of his friends already had his flight cancelled.
"Got his flight canceled (in Denver)," he said. "Not sure what airline he was on, but he ended up getting a last-second booking."
Travelers tell ABC11 News they're worried about how many more flights could get cancelled if the reduction continues.
"Until I'm on the plane on Monday, I'm not going to be that confident that everything's going to be smooth," said Souter.
SEE ALSO | Traveler rights to airline refunds amid government shutdown delays, cancellations
As a reminder, flight reductions are not impacting international flights.
Airlines are warning passengers to arrive at least two hours in advance of their domestic flights as the reductions and staffing issues linger.
