FAA Imposes Airspace Restrictions, Triggering Major Holiday Flight Delays

Airports across the United States are facing overwhelming passenger volumes. This heavy traffic is sparking nationwide delays on one of the busiest travel days of the year. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has imposed a major traffic flow restriction. This action affects 21 major US air travel centers starting Monday afternoon. This includes flights out of New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, and Atlanta. The goal is to balance air traffic demand with system capacity.

At major airports, departure delays may reach up to two hours. This measure spaces out the overwhelming volume of planes flying over the US. The restriction began at 12pm ET and is expected to last until 6pm Monday evening, according to the source.

Record Holiday Demand

The restrictions coincide with a record-breaking holiday travel season. The American Automobile Association (AAA) estimated over 122 million Americans would travel. This travel period spans from December 20 to January 1, 2026.

AAA projects a record 8.03 million travelers will fly domestically. This surpasses the 8 million mark for the first time on record. This represents a 2.3% increase over the previous year. Popular destinations are driving this surge in demand. Orlando, Fort Lauderdale, and Miami are the top three domestic spots. International destinations like Cancún and Punta Cana are also seeing high demand.

FAA Implements Flow Constrained Area (FCA)

The FAA is managing the congestion using a Flow Constrained Area (FCA). An FCA is a defined region of airspace subject to a constraint. This constraint is often due to weather or, in this case, excess volume.

The agency has set an hourly limit on flights crossing the FCA boundary. This process is a key part of air traffic flow management. It ensures operational safety standards are maintained. The specific region is designated as FCAMA5, reported to include flights near the Caribbean. This is common during peak travel seasons.

Delays are expected to worsen throughout the day. The average flight delay is expected to reach 76 minutes between 3pm and 4pm. Maximum delays for flights through the FCA are projected at one hour and 57 minutes.

This system uses an Airspace Flow Program (AFP). The AFP assigns an Expect Departure Clearance Time (EDCT) to aircraft. Planes are held on the ground until their assigned slot is called. This prevents unsafe crowding in the skies or on airport runways.

Impact on Travelers and Airlines

The restrictions affect 21 US air travel centers. These include key hubs like New York (JFK, LGA), Washington (DCA, IAD), and Chicago (ORD). Airports in Canada, including Toronto Pearson International Airport, are also impacted by US-bound restrictions.

• Traveler Advice: Passengers must check flight status regularly before leaving home. AAA recommends arriving early: two hours for domestic flights and three hours for international. Flyers should also pack vital medications and a change of clothes in carry-on bags.
• Airline Operations: Major US airlines must manage the ground stops. They face the challenge of rebooking and refunding travelers. Airlines must adhere to the new EDCT slots to avoid fines.

Over 1,200 flights entering or exiting the US were already delayed as of 10am. This highlights the significant knock-on effects across the global network. Travelers are urged to review their chosen airline's policies on rebooking and refunds for any cancelled trips.