Will FAA flight cuts impact Myrtle Beach airport? What travelers can expect
Travelers and airports are bracing for impacts to airports as the federal government shutdown continues with no end in sight. Although there aren’t plans to cut flights at Myrtle Beach International Airport, travelers could still see effects from the longest shutdown in American history.
The FAA will direct airlines to begin cutting flights at 40 large airports and travel hubs around the United States, though none in South Carolina will be impacted, the Associated Press reported. Airlines will start with cuts to 4% of flights and increase to 10%.
“Although MYR is not among the airports directly affected by this directive, many of our flight offerings connect to or from these major airports and could be impacted,” said Myrtle Beach International Airport business development and properties manager Ashley Hickman. “As a result, some MYR travelers may experience delays, schedule adjustments, or cancellations stemming from the reductions at those larger facilities.”
Flights from Myrtle Beach International Airport fly to more than half of the 40 impacted airports. Officials strongly encourage travelers to monitor their flight status and check with their airlines directly before coming to Myrtle Beach International Airport.
“I’m not aware in my 35-year history in the aviation market where we’ve had a situation where we’re taking these kinds of measures,” administrator Bryan Bedford said in a news conference Wednesday. “We’re in new territory in terms of government shutdowns.”
Amid the shutdown, critical FAA and TSA workers at airports across the country have been working without pay. Without income from their airport jobs, it can be difficult for staff to support themselves and their families without calling out of work.
“The longer the shutdown goes on, the more severe the impact on our TSA workforce who have expenses they must pay for, making it harder to show up for work when not being paid,” a TSA spokesperson said. “We kindly ask for the public’s patience and understanding as our officers are forced to work unpaid at this time.”
While the vast majority of TSA operations nationwide are minimally impacted by the shutdown, according to the agency, some delays are to be expected. The TSA recommends travelers arrive at airports with ample time before their flights, follow security guidelines and stay informed through the TSA’s social media.
Airports impacted
The full list of airports impacted by the FAA’s directive where Myrtle Beach International Airport flies includes:
- Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport in Georgia
- Baltimore/Washington International Airport in Maryland
- Boston Logan International Airport in Massachusetts
- Charlotte Douglas International Airport in North Carolina
- Chicago Midway International Airport in Illinois
- Chicago O`Hare International Airport in Illinois
- Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport in Ohio
- Dallas Fort Worth International Airport in Texas
- Dallas Love Field Airport in Texas
- Denver International Airport in Colorado
- Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport in Michigan
- Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood International Airport in Florida
- George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Texas
- Indianapolis International Airport in Indiana
- LaGuardia Airport in New York
- Louisville International Airport in Kentucky
- Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport in Minnesota
- Newark Liberty International Airport in New Jersey
- Orlando International Airport in Florida
- Philadelphia International Airport in Pennsylvania
- Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport in Virginia
- Tampa International Airport in Florida
- Washington Dulles International Airport in Virginia