SEA ground delay: FAA halted Seattle arrivals Thursday evening as rain, wind batter region

The greater Seattle area was placed into a ground delay program late Thursday evening due to intense rain and wind.

According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the weather in the region impacted airport operations. The combination of strong winds and steady rain affected the region’s ability to safely handle incoming flights. The ground delay program lasted from 8 p.m. to 10:59 p.m. Thursday.

Delays for arriving flights ranged from 21 to 53 minutes.

FAA reducing air traffic by 10% across 40 ‘high-volume’ markets

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) said Wednesday that it was taking the extraordinary step of reducing air traffic by 10% across 40 “high-volume” markets beginning Friday morning to maintain travel safety as air traffic controllers exhibit signs of strain during the ongoing government shutdown.

The cutback stands to impact thousands of flights nationwide because the FAA directs more than 44,000 flights daily, including commercial passenger flights, cargo planes, and private aircraft. The agency didn’t immediately identify which airports or cities will be affected but said the restrictions would remain in place as long as necessary.

“I’m not aware in my 35-year history in the aviation market where we’ve had a situation where we’re taking these kinds of measures,” FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford said at a news conference.

Air traffic controllers have been working unpaid since the shutdown began Oct. 1, and most have been on duty six days a week while putting in mandatory overtime. With some calling out of work due to frustration, taking second jobs or not having money for child care or gas, staffing shortages during some shifts have led to flight delays at a number of U.S. airports.