Jill Schramm/MDN Carolyn Stemley waits in the Minot airport terminal for her flight back to Arizona Friday, Nov. 7, after having made a job-related visit to Minot.

The cancellation of a Delta Airlines flight in and out of Minot International Airport Friday, Nov. 7, signaled the first local impact from a federal directive to airlines to cut flight numbers by 10%.

Minot Airport Director Jennifer Eckman said the airport was notified Thursday afternoon of the cancellation of the Delta flight from Minneapolis, scheduled to arrive at 11 a.m. and depart at 12:35 p.m. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and U.S. Department of Transportation issued the directive, which affects 40 major airports, including Minneapolis-St. Paul, for reasons of safety due to staffing shortages in air traffic control.

Delta issued a statement saying it would begin complying Friday, Nov. 7. The airline stated it is giving additional flexibility to customers traveling to, from or through the impacted markets to change, cancel or refund their flights without penalty during this travel period. International travel is not affected as it is not included in the directive.

United Airlines’ announced cancellations through this weekend did not appear to include any Minot flights. International flights and flights between hub airports won’t be affected, the airline stated. United is offering refunds to anyone changing their mind about flying during this period, even if their flight isn’t impacted.

Both Delta and United have indicated that the slower travel time in early November will provide some available seats to aid in rebooking.

Allegiant Air has not yet issued a formal statement or announced any cuts.

The federal directive allows airlines to phase in the cuts, reducing flights by 4% this weekend, gradually increasing to 10% next week, assuming continuation of the government shutdown.

“I am anticipating, until the government gets reopened, we may have a couple more through the week that will get canceled or delayed significantly,” Eckman said of flights from the Minot airport.

However, she added Minot’s air traffic control service is provided through an agency contracted with the FAA, and the contractor has reported adequate reserves to continue paying staff, although that could change depending on how long the shutdown lasts.

Transportation Security Administration (TSA) staff at the airport also have been maintaining operations despite lack of pay, Eckman said. Local staff with the FAA, Customs and Border Protection and TSA have indicated they are generally able to weather the storm, she said. Because it is becoming more difficult the longer workers go without pay, the airport has hosted a pizza party and collected food donations, particularly to assist TSA staff.

Eckman said there’s been no obvious reduction in passenger traffic, but the official numbers for October won’t be available until Nov. 20. The government shut down on Oct. 1.

She said the airport continues planning for next year’s authorized airport improvement projects with the idea the government will reopen and appropriate the necessary funds.

Amtrak sees holiday uptick in bookings

Amtrak reports it began seeing Thanksgiving demand growth before the federal government shutdown began Oct. 1, reflecting a travel mode preference for rail.

Amtrak’s statement regarding the federal directive to reduce airline flights said, “If flight delays and cancellations become pervasive, it is reasonable to expect an increased share shift to Amtrak. In the meantime, we encourage travelers to book now and early for guaranteed reservations.”