# Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport experiences delays Due to Rainy Weather and Hurricane Priscilla Remnants
A ground stop at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport caused meaningful disruptions to air travel on Thursday, October 9, as rainy weather moved into the region.The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) implemented the temporary halt to flights, impacting hundreds of passengers and raising concerns about continued delays through the weekend.
The ground stop, initiated at 2:45 p.m., was initially scheduled to last until 4 p.m., but the FAA indicated a 30% to 60% probability of an extension. According to the FAA, flights experienced an average delay of approximately 56 minutes.
Flight Disruptions and Current Status
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As of 3:30 p.m. on Thursday, October 9, FlightAware, a leading flight tracking website, reported 198 delayed flights at sky Harbor.Importantly, no flights had been canceled as a result of the weather conditions.
Understanding FAA Ground Stops and Delays
The FAA utilizes ground stops and ground delays as safety measures during adverse weather conditions. A ground stop prevents aircraft from taking off or landing at a specific airport when conditions are deemed unsafe. A ground delay, conversely, requires flights destined for an affected airport to remain on the ground at their origin, delaying departures.
“The FAA can order a ground delay or ground stop, but it does not cancel flights,” a senior official stated. This distinction is crucial for travelers to understand,as delays are more likely than outright cancellations in these situations.
Flood Watch Issued for the Weekend
The disruptions at Sky Harbor are compounded by the approaching remnants of hurricane Priscilla. Moisture from the storm system is expected to bring further inclement weather to Arizona, potentially extending travel difficulties through the weekend. The National Weather Service has issued a flood watch effective from noon on Friday, October 10, through midnight on Sunday, October 12, adding another layer of concern for travelers.
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Travelers planning to fly through Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport in the coming days should closely monitor their flight status and anticipate potential delays. Award-winning journalist Michael Salerno, a consumer travel reporter, can be reached at [email protected] for further travel advice. Support for local journalism can be found by subscribing to azcentral.com.
