The solar eclipse on Monday had an unexpected impact on some of the country’s smaller airports, causing disruptions that are not typically seen on a regular basis. While delays and cancellations are often a result of bad weather and heavy traffic at major airports, the high demand for prime eclipse viewing locations led to some smaller airports experiencing an influx of traffic.
According to NASA, the best views of the solar eclipse extended from Texas through Illinois, Kentucky, Ohio, and northwestern New York to Maine. This rare celestial event prompted an increase in demand for flights to airports in these areas, causing a unique situation for airport operations.
Alyssa Connell, head of operations at Southern Illinois Airport, reported that the airport had to close one of its runways to accommodate the influx of aircraft. The airport, which typically handles a much smaller volume of flights, saw a record number of reservations for eclipse flights, leading to parking jams on the ground.
Burlington International Airport in Vermont was also impacted by the eclipse, with the deputy director of aviation operations, Dave Carman, stating that the airport was expecting between 100 and 130 general aviation planes on Monday, along with scheduled commercial passenger jet traffic. This surge in traffic posed challenges for the airport’s operations.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) had identified the eclipse as a major event during its planning call at the command center in Warrenton, Virginia. In addition to forewarning pilots about potential disruptions, the FAA implemented traffic adjustments to prevent aircraft parking jams on the ground and ensure the safe flow of air traffic.
Several airlines, including Delta Air Lines and United Airlines, capitalized on the eclipse by offering special eclipse flights and promoting routes along the “path of totality.” United Airlines reported a significant increase in bookings to cities like San Antonio, Cleveland, and Little Rock, with travelers eager to witness the eclipse from unique vantage points.
The eclipse’s impact extended beyond the aviation sector, benefiting hotels, house rentals, and other businesses in eclipse viewing areas. The influx of tourists traveling to witness the phenomenon created economic opportunities for local businesses, showcasing the eclipse’s ability to drive tourism revenue.
The solar eclipse on Monday showcased the unforeseen impact of celestial events on airport operations, leading to challenges and opportunities for smaller airports and airlines alike. As the tourism industry capitalized on the eclipse to attract travelers, businesses in eclipse viewing areas experienced a surge in demand, highlighting the economic benefits of celestial events.