Air travel News and Reporting Coverage | WRAL

ATL rolls out new combo tool to brush, scrape, clear runways when winter weather hits

New equipment will get the call at Atlanta airport in an ice storm on Jan. 24-25, 2026. The machines do multiple jobs at once to keep runways open.

RDU travelers see affects of winter weather across the country

There were over 1,000 flights delayed and more than 100 cancellations at U.S. airports due to the weather, according to the flight tracking site FlightAware.

Shutdown increases strain on air traffic controllers

Dan McCabe said air traffic controllers haven't received a full paycheck since mid-September because of the shutdown.

US airlines cancel 6% of flights

Airlines have canceled more than 9,000 flights across the U.S. since the Federal Aviation Administration ordered flight cuts last week to ease demand on control towers, which are short-staffed during the federal government shutdown.

Delayed, canceled: FAA flight limits leave travelers stranded

A WRAL photographer and his wife got stuck in Orlando over the weekend, just one casualty of the air traffic turmoil across the country.

Travelers seek alternatives as flight delays, cancellations spread

The FAA warns that more cancellations could be coming if the government shutdown is not resolved before Thanksgiving.

Delay after delay after delay: Travelers lose a day to air traffic upheaval

Frustrated travelers faced a day of delays as a series of delays disrupted air traffic across major hubs over the weekend. The FAA warns that more cancellations could be coming if the government shutdown is not resolved before Thanksgiving.

Cancellations continue at RDU

On Monday morning, more than a dozen flights at RDU were canceled. Find out how disruptions could continue even if the government shutdown ends

Limited disruptions for now as flight cuts begin at major airports

The first wave of flight cancellations ordered by the Trump administration in response to the government shutdown hit airports across the United States on Friday, foreshadowing what could be wider disruptions in air travel if Congress does not reach a spending deal soon.

Niraj Chokshi, Karoun Demirjian and Michael Levenson, New York Times

Nearly 1,200 flights across US canceled due to reductions

The FAA initially asked that major airlines cut their flight traffic by 10 percent. Airlines are suggesting travelers book a backup flight just in case of delays or cancellations.

Weekend travelers brace for RDU delays, cancellations as FAA reductions have ripple effect

RDU wasn't one of the airports targeted by FAA cuts. However, of the 40 proposed airport locations expected to see cuts, RDU serves 33 directly.

Airlines rush to prepare for federal reductions in flights

Airlines raced Thursday to rework plans and prepare customers and workers for disruptions this weekend, when a reduction of flights is set to take effect at the nation's busiest airports.

Niraj Chokshi and Christine Chung, New York Times

What to know if your flight is delayed or canceled during the shutdown

WRAL 5 on Your Side's Keely Arthur breaks down what rights you have if you're seeking a refund on a flight that's been canceled or delayed.

Flying during the shutdown: 5 on Your Side outlines travelers' rights

Flight cuts are about to become more common as the government shutdown continues. WRAL's 5 on Your Side outlines your rights as a ticket holder.

RDU officials take wait-and-see approach with shutdown-induced flight cuts

RDU isn't expected to be one of the airports targeted by FAA cuts. However, it will undoubtedly have an impact on the traveler experience.

RDU serves many sites on FAA flight cut list

There are 40 airports that will see flights cut from the extended government shutdown. Raleigh-Durham International Airport is not one of them, but RDU carries direct service to many of the affected airports.

FAA to cut flights, ease fatigue of air traffic controllers

The Federal Aviation Administration announced Wednesday that it will reduce air traffic by 10% across 40 "high-volume" markets beginning Friday morning to maintain safety during the ongoing government shutdown.

Duffy Threatens to Close Parts of Airspace if Shutdown Persists

WASHINGTON -- Sean Duffy, the transportation secretary, threatened Tuesday to close parts of the national airspace as he warned of "mass chaos" by next week if the government shutdown continued.

Karoun Demirjian, New York Times

Remote control: Solution for safer skies?

While the Federal Aviation Administration is facing an air traffic controller shortage, it's testing a modern alternative to the traditional air traffic control system called a remote tower. The head of Johnston Regional Airport wants to be "first in flight" once this digital remote tower takes off.

Johnston Regional Airport hopes to pioneer FAA's next-gen digital air traffic control

While the Federal Aviation Administration is facing an air traffic controller shortage, it's testing a modern alternative to the traditional air traffic control system called a remote tower. The head of Johnston Regional Airport wants to be "first in flight" once this digital remote tower takes off.

Travel experts: Book your holiday flights this week for the best deals

5 On Your Side shares the important dates quickly approaching when it comes to getting the best flight deals for Thanksgiving and Christmas.

Major web outage reportedly affecting air travel

The major web outage may be affecting air travel. Delta and United Airlines passengers are posting on social media that they are unable to check in for flights online or find their reservations.

Don't Waste Your Money: Are basic economy airfares worth trying?

With the cost of flights up almost 10% in 2025, basic economy tickets can look appealing. WRAL News takes a look at whether the savings are worth it.

Don't Waste Your Money: Basic Economy can be a deal if you travel light

Basic economy fares can save you money on flights, provided you pack smart and travel light.

What Travelers Need to Know About the Continuing Government Shutdown

With the government shutdown entering its second week, airline passengers and visitors to national parks have been bracing for major disruptions. Nonessential federal operations ceased at midnight Oct. 1 after Congress failed to pass legislation to keep the government functioning.

Christine Chung and Gabe Castro-Root, New York Times