Here Comes the Sun: How the solar eclipse could affect air travel in the U.S.

26-03-24

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) on Thursday issued a precautionary advisory for travelers and airlines planning to fly on April 8, coinciding with the upcoming total solar eclipse.

According to the FAA, pilots and passengers flying through certain airports should anticipate operational adjustments such as delays, re-routing and possible delays. In addition, higher than normal air traffic is expected, especially during peak periods.

Airports located approximately 80 km on either side of the eclipse path are expected to be affected. This includes airports in major cities such as Boston, Chicago, Cleveland, Dallas-Ft. Worth, Houston, Indianapolis, Kansas City and Memphis. Among the airports most affected are Austin-Bergstrom International Airport in Texas, Patrick Leahy Burlington International Airport in Vermont, Cleveland Hopkins International Airport in Ohio and Dallas Love Field Airport in Texas.

The eclipse will be visible from 13 U.S. states, traversing a narrow path from the southwest to the northeast, and will occur between approximately 2:30 p.m. and 3:40 p.m. EDT. Although the FAA warns of possible disruptions to air travel, some airlines have taken advantage of the event, marketing flights during the eclipse as an extraordinary opportunity to view it.

Delta Air Lines, for example, has introduced a new flight tailored to the occasion: flight 1218 from Austin to Detroit is scheduled to coincide with the solar eclipse. Departing Austin at 12:15 p.m. local time and arriving in Detroit at 4:20 p.m. local time, the flight is strategically timed to be in the air, traversing the path of the eclipse during the minutes of greatest visibility.

Delta has designated an A220-300 aircraft for this route, equipped with extra-large windows specifically selected to offer passengers the best opportunity to "safely view the solar eclipse at its peak."