Industry Headline News

Flight Delays For Super Bowl and FBR Open Expected

By Karen Di Piazza

If you plan on flying to Arizona to attend the FBR Open Golf Tournament in Scottsdale Jan. 31 - Feb. 3, or the Super Bowl XLII on Feb. 3 in Glendale, Ariz., you can count on flight delays. Air traffic controllers are already stretched beyond working capacity; the Federal Aviation Administration has failed to keep and train new hires to replace the nation's experienced controllers who are retiring early. Due to substantial air traffic increases for both general aviation and commercial flights, the FAA has issued temporary flight restrictions (TFRs) and notices to airmen (NOTAM) for the Super Bowl.

According to the National Business Aviation Association, there will not be a special traffic management program (STMP) put into place. However, users of the air traffic control system can expect to see some form of traffic management initiatives put into play for the Phoenix area. The Super Bowl is considered a special security event, thus the FAA has published two TFRs, which will prohibit private aircraft from using certain GA airports, within certain hours during game day.

Although Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) isn't located within the boundaries of TFRs, the airport is likely to be heavily congested during the week of the golf and football events. This could pose a problem for GA aircraft. The NBAA said, "ATC may be able to provide a reroute to allow GA traffic to continue to operate; however, there's no guarantee of this and operators utilizing PHX during the TFR hours should plan for possible delays."

Email your comments, news tips and press releases to Industry Headline News editor news@charterx.com.