Reno‑Tahoe International Airport (RNO) is still feeling the aftereffects of the FAA‑mandated ground stop that began Friday. While many airlines have gotten planes back in the air, travelers report a mix of delayed, cancelled and re‑booked flights that continue to strain airport services.
Passenger experiences
“Just trying to figure out whether or not we even have a flight today,” said Steve Olson, a Reno resident returning to Atlanta. Olson’s companion, Bobbie Soper, was unable to check in, and their tickets appear to have been shuffled and vanished from the system. “Delayed, then suspended. Now we’re just in question, trying to get it to you whether or not we have a standby,” Olson added.
Other travelers echo the frustration. “Flight on, off. It was both, right?” joked George Romero, hoping his flight would finally depart. Judy Yates and her husband, who were scheduled to fly to Los Angeles for their grandson’s fifth birthday, described a half‑hour wait in the gate area before Southwest Flight WN 1629 was cancelled with no alternate flights available that day. “We’ve been checking all evening, all morning,” Yates said, noting the difficulty of driving eight hours to Southern California for the celebration.
Scope of the disruption
According to FlightAware, the nationwide ground stop has resulted in more than 7,100 reported delays and 6,000 cancellations as of Sunday. Over 13,000 flights across the United States have been impacted, with dozens of those at RNO alone. Rental‑car agencies at the airport report a sharp drop in available vehicles as customers scramble to adjust travel plans.
Airlines and airport response
Airlines are working to reassign crews and re‑schedule flights, but the process is uneven. Travelers are being urged to allow extra time for check‑in, security and boarding, and to stay informed through airline apps and airport announcements. Airport officials advise passengers to monitor their flight status frequently and to consider alternative travel dates when possible.
What’s next?
While most flights have resumed, the FAA has not lifted the ground stop entirely, meaning that occasional delays may persist as airlines continue to balance crew availability and aircraft positioning. Passengers planning future trips through Reno‑Tahoe are encouraged to book with flexible tickets and to keep an eye on any further updates from the FAA and their carriers.
For those affected by the recent cancellations, airlines are offering re‑booking options and, in some cases, vouchers for future travel. Rental‑car companies suggest reserving vehicles in advance to secure availability.
Original reporting: 2news.com — read the source article.
