How PHX Sky Train can get you around Sky Harbor Airport faster
Traverse Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport from the 44th Street station to the 24th Street station to the Rental Car Center. How to ride the PHX Sky Train.
The Republic
People flying to and from Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport should prepare for disruptions due to storm systems bringing cold weather.
The Federal Aviation Administration ordered a ground stop at Sky Harbor on Thursday, Jan. 8, because of thunderstorms. The ground stop is in effect from 12:30 to 1:45 p.m.
It also ordered a ground delay at Sky Harbor on Thursday, Jan. 8, because of cloudy conditions. Flights were delayed by 29 minutes on average, according to the FAA’s National Airspace System Status website.
A previous ground delay on Wednesday, Jan. 7, delayed afternoon and evening flights for longer than an hour.
When something happens that disrupts flights, Sky Harbor staff generally advises passengers to check their flight status with their airline before arriving at the airport. Here’s what travelers should know about Thursday’s ground delay.
Why is Sky Harbor experiencing delays?
Flights experienced delays in recent days at Sky Harbor because of storm systems bringing cloudy and cold conditions into metro Phoenix.
The National Weather Service in Phoenix forecasted scattered showers and isolated thunderstorms on Thursday afternoon and evening, which could bring downpours, gusty winds, lightning and “pea-sized” hail.
The ground delay took effect at 8:30 a.m. Thursday and is scheduled to remain through 4:59 p.m., according to the FAA.
How many flights are delayed at Phoenix Sky Harbor?
As of 12:45 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 8, Sky Harbor experienced 201 delayed flights and one canceled flight, according to flight tracking website FlightAware.
Airlines had 207 delays and five cancellations on Wednesday, Jan. 7, in part from the previous ground delay, according to FlightAware.
What is a ground delay?
The FAA can order a ground delay when flights destined for an airport experiencing adverse conditions must delay their takeoffs, according to the FAA.
It can also order a ground stop when it’s not safe for flights to take off or land at an airport.
The FAA does not cancel flights.
Michael Salerno is an award-winning journalist who’s covered travel and tourism since 2014. His work as The Arizona Republic’s consumer travel reporter aims to help readers navigate the stresses of traveling and get the best value for their money on their vacations. He can be reached at [email protected].
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