Columbia, Missouri (KMIZ)
Air travel and airport traffic are expected to be affected as several travelers travel to multiple states to view the eclipse on Monday.
The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration issued a notice of special air traffic procedures, saying the eclipse could affect airports along its flight path, which lasts until Wednesday night. The FAA issued a news release regarding flights that may be affected by the solar eclipse.
Travelers plan to fly to states where a total solar eclipse is expected. The FAA says airports in states from Texas to New England will be the most affected.
On Monday, those flying along the eclipse's path may encounter limited parking or delays due to the increased number of aircraft and drones in the sky.
People driving to the airport should expect delays during peak traffic hours, the FAA said in a release. Parking may be limited, especially if departing from a small airport.
Arica Lunsford traveled to Colombia for a conference that happened to be scheduled on the day of the eclipse. She departed from Tyler, Texas, a town expected to be fully infected, and she said her entire day of travel was uneventful.
“I thought I would have to leave early, but it actually went pretty smoothly,” Lunsford said. “We arrived at the Dallas-Fort Airport and surprisingly there was no line and it was probably one of the smoothest travel days I've had in a while.”
The FAA wants to make sure pilots, along with travelers, are prepared for the eclipse. In a release, they warn pilots of possible holdovers, route changes, and changes in arrival and departure times.
The FAA advises pilots who rely on visual flight to practice approaches such as touch-and-go and warn that flight-following services may not be available.
