When the Federal Aviation Administration halted flights for four hours on Friday, the ripple effect was felt far beyond the runways. Exec Park, a family‑run parking and shuttle service located across from Mitchell International Airport, saw a surge of confused travelers, cancelled reservations and refund requests.
Business hit hard by sudden shutdown
“I just think it’s got to go with the flow and just be flexible,” said Exec Park co‑owner Tracy Schimetz, whose motto has helped the business navigate unpredictable travel disruptions. “We started taking phone calls from people saying they don’t know when they’re going to be able to get home.”
The FAA’s nationwide ground stop forced airlines to cancel flights, leaving pilots unavailable and planes grounded. “This morning there were no pilots for the airplanes, so their flights are all canceled again,” Schimetz explained, describing the ongoing uncertainty that kept customers in limbo.
Refunds and juggling reservations
To ease the burden on stranded travelers, Exec Park issued refunds to those who had to cancel their trips entirely. “I did refund some of the folks who had to cancel their trips completely,” Schimetz said. The business also faced the challenge of overlapping reservations as travelers extended their stays while waiting for new flight options.
One couple, Daven Claerbout and his wife, recounted their experience. “We stayed in Orlando from 3 to 7 a.m. this morning, then flew to Nashville. Missed the flight there because of that,” Claerbout said. After a long journey, they finally returned to the Exec Park lot to pick up their car.
Customer service praised amid chaos
Despite the chaos, Claerbout praised airline staff for their composure. “I was very impressed with all the help at the airlines because those people took a lot of verbal punishment and they never lost their cool,” he noted.
Schimetz confirmed that while some families have made it home, others remain stuck. “I have people that are sitting in Las Vegas that they can’t even get home until Tuesday or Wednesday possibly before they can get flights back in,” she said.
Looking ahead
Exec Park is taking each flight as it comes, hoping the situation improves quickly. “Let’s hope it never happens again,” Schimetz added, expressing a wish that future travelers won’t face similar disruptions.
The incident underscores how national aviation decisions can directly impact local businesses and families in Milwaukee. As the airport and its surrounding services recover, owners like Schimetz remain committed to supporting travelers and keeping the flow of movement steady for the community.
Original reporting: FOX6 WITI – local news — read the source article.
