Flight reductions hit ONT

Eight flights were canceled at Ontario International Airport as of midday Nov. 7, the first day of a 10 percent nationwide reduction of commercial flights ordered by the Federal Aviation Administration.

Southwest Airlines accounted for four of the flights, United and Alaska Airlines two each, according to flightaware.com, a website that tracks commercial and private flights.

Four of the flights were to have originated at Ontario International, the other four were scheduled to arrive there. All four cancellations caused by the government shutdown, said Steve Lambert, airport spokesman.

“We’re encouraging all of our passengers to check with their airlines before they come to the airport, and if their flight has been canceled to find out what their options are,” Lambert said. “That’s the best thing they can do.”

Each airline decides which flights to cancel.  More than 1,400 flights were canceled nationwide Friday.

Four flights at Ontario International are expected to be canceled Saturday, and four on Sunday, according to flightaware.com.

Because of safety concerns, the FAA ordered the reductions at 40 major U.S. airports. The shutdown has forced air traffic controllers to work without pay, which has lead to longer hours and fatigue.

The cutbacks began at four percent and will reach 10 percent in one week. Ontario International was the only Inland Empire airport affected by the federal order.