More Flight Delays Expected Due to Low Visibility from Canadian Wildfires
The Federal Aviation Administration has issued a ground stop at LaGuardia Airport in New York due to the thick blanket of smoke from Canadian wildfires that continue to move south throughout the US as far as the nation’s capital.
So, if you’re traveling by air today, you should expect ground stops or delays not only at LaGuardia, but also at the following airports: Newark, JFK, Teterboro, Philadelphia International, Baltimore/Washington International, Reagan National, Dulles International, and Charlotte Douglas International.
The polluted air hasn’t just affected air travel, but it has affected popular tourist attractions. The Code Purple Air Quality in Washington, DC has forced the Smithsonian’s National Zoo to close today. Under the warning, all people are advised to stay indoors as much as possible and wear N95 or KN95 if outside.
On Wednesday, reduced visibility caused 161 cancellations and 5,410 delays. President Biden has ordered all available federal firefighting assets to help contain the raging early-season wildfires in Canada.
New York City recorded the worst air quality in the world for two days in a row. Its air quality index (AQI) or measure of pollution spiking above 400, according to NBC News. Researchers say that an Air Quality Index of 150 is equivalent to smoking seven cigarettes a day!
Top Worst Air Quality on Wednesday
1. New York
2. Dhaka, Bangladesh
3. Tel Aviv-Yafo, Israel
4. Lahore, Pakistan
5. Detroit
More than 120 million people in the US will be affected by the unhealthy air, forcing the return, for some, to wearing masks again. The looming polluted air over the US isn’t expected to completely clear up until this weekend.
Travelers can stay on top of cancellations and delays with FlightAware and The Flight Tracker app (Apple|Google).
