The Federal Aviation Administration is assigning delays to some flights through airspace near South Texas on Saturday while SpaceX prepares for Starship’s return to Boca Chica. The signed FAA advisory lists an average assigned delay of 76 minutes for the flights in its program and a maximum of 193 minutes. The program covers flights expected to enter the affected airspace from 2 p.m. to 7:59 p.m. Central (noon to 5:59 p.m. Pacific).
The FAA identifies the included flights on a list that can change as traffic shifts. The order covers selected departures from flight-control regions across the United States and lists several Canadian departure airports. It applies to flights on that list. Travelers using Houston’s airports can still see different departure times for flights headed to the same city.
Check your flight and any connections
Use your airline’s app or the Houston airport flight board to check your specific flight. The 76-minute figure is a program average. If you have a connection, check both legs before leaving for the airport. The FAA operations board lists current flow programs and ground stops separately.
The FAA cites traffic volume related to the rocket’s reentry. SpaceX’s flight plan calls for the upper stage to attempt a return to Starbase if it clears reentry and landing checks. The return plan can change. Airlines are also still working through Friday’s nationwide disruption, so check with your carrier for the status of your particular flight.
