US: Lingering flight disruptions likely at Central and South Florida airports due to high air traffic volume in region Dec. 27

Flight delays and cancellations are likely at airports in Central and South Florida over the coming hours due to high air traffic volume in the region Dec. 27. As of around 18:45, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) had accordingly issued a ground delay program at Palm Beach International Airport (PBI) in Palm Beach County that was scheduled to remain in effect until at least 22:59. Flight departures to PBI were reportedly experiencing delays averaging 223 minutes. The FAA also issued an airspace flow program for much of Florida on Dec. 27, noting that southbound flights crossing the flow constrained area extending roughly from Mexico Beach, Florida, on the Gulf Coast northeastward to Cumberland Island, Georgia, and into the North Atlantic Ocean would be delayed an average of 83 minutes or routed around due to aircraft volume until at least 22:59; however, flights to Jacksonville International Airport (JAX) are excluded from the measures.

The FAA may issue additional ground stops and/or ground delay programs for airports in Central and South Florida over the coming hours. The air traffic control measures could be extended or rescinded on short notice.