FAA – Texas & Louisiana Flights Face Disruption by April Eclipse

You are probably painfully aware that on April 8, 2024, the moon's shadow will pass over a large swath of the United States. No, the fact that there will be a solar eclipse visible in several states in the next few weeks is not breaking news. However, the potential effects of the eclipse on emergency services and air transportation are just now beginning to be realized.

Just to clarify, the eclipse itself should not have any direct effect on emergency services in places where the path of totality, that's ground-zero in eclipse lingo, occurs. However, the throngs of eclipse views who flock to that thin strip of real estate that will be darkened by the moon's shadow could create issues for emergency services. It is also suggested that if you're traveling to a place where big crowds are expected you pack a snack and make sure your car's gas tank is topped off.

How Could the Eclipse Affect Air Travel in Texas and Louisiana?

The Federal Aviation Administration is suggesting that airports in the path of totality, namely Dallas/Fort Worth, San Antonio, Little Rock, Buffalo, and a few others might find themselves placed in potential ground holds, airborne holdings, or even reroutes.

The FAA is also advising that parking in and around airports in the path of totality might be compromised as well and many people will drive to the airport to view the celestial happenings in the sky above. Airports have a lot of open space and plenty of paved parking so parking close to the terminal to catch a flight during the peak of the eclipse might be a challenge you had not anticipated.

The Eclipse Should Not Affect Your Flight's Safety

No, this is more of a "frustration notification" as far as flights are concerned. Since many Louisiana airports feature regional routes to Dallas/Fort Worth you might want to double-check with your carrier, the closer you get to flight time, if you're flying on April 8th.

And if you have a connection in DFW on April 8th around the time the eclipse is scheduled, you might want to build a few extra hours into your travel plans just in case of unexpected delays.