The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issued a cautionary advisory on Thursday for travellers and airlines slated to fly on April 8, coinciding with the upcoming total solar eclipse.
According to the FAA, pilots and passengers flying through specific airports should anticipate operational adjustments such as holdings, reroutes, and potential delays. Additionally, higher-than-normal air traffic is expected, particularly during peak travel periods.
Airports within approximately 50 miles of either side of the eclipse's path are expected to experience effects. This includes airports in major cities like Boston, Chicago, Cleveland, Dallas-Ft. Worth, Houston, Indianapolis, Kansas City, and Memphis. Among the notable airports likely to be affected are Austin-Bergstrom International Airport in Texas, Patrick Leahy Burlington International in Vermont, Cleveland Hopkins International Airport in Ohio, and Dallas Love Field in Texas.
The eclipse will be visible from 13 U.S. states, traversing a narrow path from the southwest to the northeast, occurring between approximately 2:30 p.m. EDT and 3:40 p.m. EDT. While the FAA cautions about potential air travel disruptions, some airlines have capitalized on the event, marketing flights during the eclipse as an extraordinary viewing opportunity.
Delta Air Lines, for instance, has introduced a new flight tailored for the occasion—Flight 1218 from Austin to Detroit is timed 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 scheduled to be airborne, traversing the eclipse's path during the prime viewing minutes.
Delta has designated an A220-300 aircraft for this route, equipped with extra-large windows specifically selected to offer passengers the best opportunity for "safely viewing the solar eclipse at its peak."
