A total solar eclipse that will bring a stunning view to the skies on April 8 could be a nuisance for some air travelers and pilots due to potential flight delays, the Federal Aviation Administration warned.
The eclipse, which will pass over Mexico, the United States, and Canada, will affect air traffic and airports along the eclipse's path from April 7 to April 10, the FAA said. stated in the procedural notice. This could also mean delays for air travelers, especially since the eclipse coincides with spring break travel, the agency announced Wednesday.
The FAA estimated that the effects of the eclipse on air travel would be felt from 6 a.m. on April 7 until midnight on April 10.
Learn more | Are you on the path to wholeness? A series of total solar eclipses will occur across the United States on April 8th.
Are you on the path to wholeness? Check out the map of the total solar eclipse on April 8th.
“While most travelers head to their favorite vacation destinations, a significant number of travelers traveled to various states to witness the Great North American Solar Eclipse on Monday, April 8,” the FAA said in a news release. I'm on my way,'' he said.
“Due to the large number of aircraft and drones attempting to witness the total solar eclipse, travelers flying along the path of the solar eclipse may experience limited parking and delays at airports,” the FAA said. said.
A total solar eclipse, which occurs when the moon passes between the sun and the Earth and completely blocks the sun's face, is appealing to many people because it occurs so rarely. The last time the United States saw a total solar eclipse was in 2017, according to NASA.
The FAA said many travelers will be flying from Texas to New England and other states where the eclipse is expected to be most visible. Airports in these states will be the most affected, the agency said.
The total solar eclipse, visible from more than a dozen states, is sparking a small consumer boom across the United States.
“Some people are planning to fly during the actual eclipse,” said Kevin Morris, an aviation safety expert with the FAA.
Air travel to view the eclipse coincides with spring break travel, and the FAA expects next week to be “the busiest of the season.”
The busiest days are March 28, April 4 and April 5, with more than 50,000 flights expected on several of those days, the FAA said.
The FAA is also working to ensure pilots are prepared for the eclipse, warning commercial and non-commercial pilots that there will be more aircraft and drones than usual in the area, possible delays, and We are providing guidance that assumes that parking at airports in Japan will be restricted. .
“And remember, never look directly at the sun,” Morris added.
According to NASA, it is not safe to look directly at the sun without special sun-gazing eye protection during a solar eclipse.
The FAA says delays and cancellations are rare but can occur, and urges travelers to check flight status before heading to the airport and get important travel tips on the FAA's website I called out.
Please pay attention | ABC News and National Geographic announce live 'Eclipse Across America' special on April 8th
To celebrate the rare total solar eclipse, which won't happen again until 2044, ABC News and Nat Geo will air a live two-hour special on April 8.
You can check out more solar eclipse coverage here.
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