FAA Stops Flights Out of NYC, Philly and More
The coronavirus is spreading rapidly around the world (nearly 300,000 cases) and especially in the United States. New York is one of the hardest hit areas, at least when it comes to confirmed cases. There are over 22,000 cases nationwide and over 10,300 of them are in New York State. The virus has already affected travel, but the latest news from the FAA is taking it to a new level. The Federal Aviation Administration is stopping all departures at all New York City area airports, Philadelphia, and others due to staffing issues related to the coronavirus.
For now there will be no flights out the affected airports from 5:45PM on Saturday March 21, until 3:00AM on Sunday March 22. That is not a very long stoppage, but it could be a sign of things to come as the coronavirus pandemic continues to spread around the country. You can see the list of affected airports in this tweet:
BREAKING: FAA stops all departures at ALL New York City area airports, Philadelphia, and others due to staffing issues related to Corona Virus. pic.twitter.com/mypwysnfww
— Sam Sweeney (@SweeneyABC) March 21, 2020
A later tweet says that now the FAA is clearing all aircraft from New York City airspace. Inbound flights are now being diverted. Update: It appears NYC area airports will now allow incoming aircraft.
BREAKING: FAA now clearing all aircraft from New York City airspace. Inbound Flights now diverting.
— Sam Sweeney (@SweeneyABC) March 21, 2020
