UPDATE: Flight operations at Duluth International Airport are facing significant disruptions as federal authorities mandate major airline hubs nationwide to implement a 10% reduction in flight schedules. This directive has already led to the cancellation of one of the four daily Delta Airlines flights between Duluth and Minneapolis/St. Paul, heightening concerns for travelers.
As of Friday morning, a flight scheduled to arrive in Duluth at 3:30 p.m. and depart at 4:10 p.m. has been struck from the schedule. The cause of this cancellation remains unclear, but it is part of a broader strategy affecting 40 major airports across the country, including MSP International. The federal shutdown has severely impacted air traffic control staffing, prompting airlines to prioritize hub-to-hub and long-haul flights, leaving regional operations vulnerable.
“We’re not expecting any immediate impact,” stated Natalie Baker, the Duluth airport’s director of communications and marketing. However, she acknowledged that this situation is fluid as airports strive to meet the federal mandate. With the evolving circumstances, Baker urges travelers to stay informed about their itineraries, especially regarding connecting flights.
Many airlines, including Delta, are currently allowing passengers to rebook flights without facing financial penalties during this tumultuous period. Baker emphasized the need for travelers to check with their carriers to confirm their travel plans remain intact.
“I wish we had more information,” Baker added. “All of this is subject to change right now. So, we’re keeping our finger on the pulse.”
Duluth International currently operates four daily flights to and from MSP International via Delta and four daily flights to and from Chicago through United Airlines. As the federal shutdown continues, travelers are advised to monitor updates closely, as further cuts could impact regional services even more significantly.
As this developing situation unfolds, keeping abreast of changes is crucial for anyone planning to travel from Duluth. The urgency of these operational changes highlights the broader implications of the federal shutdown on air travel across the nation.
