Montana airports aren’t part of the FAA’s list of 40 directly impacted locations from flight cuts due to the federal government shutdown. However, crucial hubs such as Denver, Salt Lake City, Seattle, and Minneapolis, vital for Montana-bound travelers, are significantly affected.
The FAA has announced a 4% reduction in commercial flights starting Friday to address the “stress in the system,” potentially increasing this to 10% by November 14, unless Congress provides necessary funding to end the shutdown. Airlines are choosing which flights to cancel from Friday to Sunday to comply with this mandate.
MTFP reporters contacted Montana’s major airports. Here are their findings:
- Billings: United Airlines will cancel a round-trip flight to Denver on Saturday.
- Helena: Delta Airlines canceled one of its two daily flights to Salt Lake City for Sunday. The airport usually offers five daily departures.
- Missoula: Delta canceled a round-trip to Salt Lake scheduled for Friday. Airport Director Brian Ellestad mentioned it was likely due to the flight cuts.
- Great Falls: No reductions reported as of Friday.
- Bozeman: No reductions reported as of Friday.
Bozeman, with 869,028 deboardings annually, is Montana’s busiest airport. Billings follows with 399,251 deboardings.
Many flights from Montana may still be on schedule, but connecting flights at hub airports often face cancellations. Ellestad noted that most of Missoula’s 14 destinations are affected hubs.
Great Falls Airport Director John Faulkner advises travelers to use airline apps and sign up for alerts to stay informed about delays and rebooking options. While rebooking is currently available, it may become challenging closer to the holiday season.
“They’re going to get you rerouted,” Faulkner said, noting the reduced travel demand in early November. “Leading up to Thanksgiving, this time of year tends to be a quiet time.”
Airlines like Southwest, United, Delta, and American are offering refunds and rebooking options during the affected period.
Bozeman Airport President Brian Sprenger suggests travelers stay informed about specific flights. “I would really equate it to being prepared like you would during a winter storm,” Sprenger advised.
Katie Fairbanks and Matt Hudson contributed reporting.
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