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Southwest Airlines cancels flights across nation this weekend

Canceled flights include Tucson International Airport

Wilfredo Lee/AP

FILE - In this April 20, 2021 file photo, a Southwest Airlines Boeing 737 passenger plane takes off from Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. (AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee)

By: Maria Arey

Posted

and last updated

TUCSON, Ariz. (KGUN) — Southwest Airlines has canceled flights across the nation this weekend due to unruly weather and air traffic controller issues.

Approximately 27% of flights on Sunday were canceled or delayed at Tucson International Airport, according to flight-tracking site FlightAware. On Saturday, 31% of Southwest flights were canceled and 50% were delayed at TIA.

KGUN 9 reached out to TIA for additional comment and information.

Hundreds to thousands of flights have been canceled and delayed at other airports across the nation, according to FlightAware. Flights canceled or delayed include Phoenix Sky Harbor International, 22% have been canceled and 9% delayed Sunday.

Southwest Airlines released a statement on Twitter, it read:

"ATC issues and disruptive weather have resulted in a high volume of cancellations throughout the weekend while we work to recover our operation. We appreciate your patience as we accommodate affected Customers, and Customer Service wait times are longer than usual."

ATC issues and disruptive weather have resulted in a high volume of cancellations throughout the weekend while we work to recover our operation. We appreciate your patience as we accommodate affected Customers, and Customer Service wait times are longer than usual. (1/2) pic.twitter.com/o1scQJ5lLb
— Southwest Airlines (@SouthwestAir) October 9, 2021

Those traveling are advised to check your flight status on Southwest Airlines website.

Federal Aviation Administration released a statement to KGUN 9, it reads:

"No FAA air traffic staffing shortages have been reported since Friday. Flight delays and cancellations occurred for a few hours Friday afternoon due to widespread severe weather, military training, and limited staffing in one area of the Jacksonville Air Route Traffic Control Center. Some airlines continue to experience scheduling challenges due to aircraft and crews being out of place. Please contact the airlines for details about current flight schedules."
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