As the Solar Eclipse, known as Surya Grahan, is set to occur on April 8, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued a cautionary notice regarding air travel during this celestial event. The FAA, a US government civil aviation agency, has advised that aircraft should be prepared for possible delays, reroutes, and changes in departure schedules for all domestic IFR flights.
According to the FAA’s website, Traffic Management Initiatives may be implemented, and airports in the path of the upcoming Solar Eclipse are expected to be affected. The FAA emphasized the need for pilots and airports to make necessary arrangements and stay updated on any temporary flight restrictions that may be imposed.
The Solar Eclipse on April 8, 2024, will be visible in several countries, including the United States, Mexico, and Canada. NASA confirmed that the eclipse will traverse North America, creating a spectacle for observers. As a result, air traffic is anticipated to intensify, particularly between Texas and New England, as enthusiasts prepare to witness this rare event.
Boeing has been hit by a series of safety issues, including a near-catastrophic incident in January when a fuselage panel on a Boeing 737 MAX 9 Alaska Airlines jet blew off mid-flight. United — which owns the largest fleet of 737 MAX 9s, with 79 of the aircraft — has since reported poorly screwed bolts on cap doors and other parts of some of those planes.
The FAA has cautioned that air travel from 6 am EST on April 7 until midnight on April 10 could face disruptions due to increased traffic in states along the eclipse’s path of totality. The agency has recommended early planning and vigilance for both pilots and airports to mitigate potential challenges during this period.The Solar Eclipse is scheduled to begin at 2:12 pm on April 8 and end at 2:22 am on April 9, spanning approximately 12 hours. US states are gearing up for the surge of visitors expected to flock to witness the eclipse firsthand. To alleviate congestion at airports, the FAA has suggested coordinating early departures to facilitate aircraft staging.
