Ground stops out of Palm Springs International Airport that the Federal Aviation Administration had halted for much of Saturday afternoon have been canceled.
The disruption, caused by air traffic control issues affecting Southern California airspace, occurred during a busy post-New Year’s travel weekend and the day after the Palm Springs International Film Festival.
As of 4pm on Saturday, January 3, flights are slowly resuming, but significant delays are expected as operations normalize. Travelers should continue to check flight status directly with the airline.
Aviation industry tracking website FlightAware showed that as many as 47 flights to and from PSP were canceled on Saturday, with a further 38 flights delayed as of about 3 p.m. The arrivals page on the airport’s website showed some flights were still landing, albeit often after significant delays.
Chaos continued on Saturday, January 3, in the baggage check area that serves as the ground station at Palm Springs International Airport.
A statement from airport spokesman Jake Ingrassia did not elaborate on the nature or cause of the problem. He did say the problems are not unique to Palm Springs and are affecting other airports in Southern California.
Ingrassia wrote that PSP continues to work closely with airline partners and the FAA, which is responsible for managing the situation. “Travelers should contact airlines directly for the latest flight information. PSP will share additional updates as needed.”
Related: Where to Eat, Shop at Palm Springs International Airport: Our Guide to New Places
The Desert Sun also reached out to the Federal Aviation Administration, which regulates air traffic control nationwide, for more information on the situation but did not immediately receive a response.
Several bags were stranded at Palm Springs International Airport on Saturday, January 3, after all flights were stopped.
This is a developing situation. Please check back soon for more details.
Paul Albani-Burgio covers growth, development and business in the Coachella Valley. Email him at: paul.albani-burgio@desertsun.com.
This article originally appeared in Palm Springs Desert Sun: Flights slowly resume at Palm Springs airport after FAA ground stop
