San Diego International Airport Faces Delays Amid Weather, Not Shutdown

(SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA) San Diego International Airport recorded 94 flight delays and 2 cancellations on Monday, October 13, 2025, as the federal government shutdown reached its seventh day. Airport officials and Southwest Airlines said the majority of San Diego International Airport delays stemmed from weather and mechanical issues, not the shutdown itself.

While the government shutdown impact has been severe at some airports—most starkly at Hollywood Burbank Airport, which operated for several hours without tower controllers—San Diego remained operational and staffed as of Monday.

What happened Monday at San Diego International

Airport officials reported that 54 of the 94 delays involved Southwest Airlines. The carrier said the main driver was weather along flight paths, which slowed turnarounds and caused rolling schedule adjustments. Officials also noted that aircraft mechanical issues and delays at other airports contributed to knock-on effects in San Diego.

• The longest single delay was a JetBlue departure to Boston that ran nearly four hours late.
• Most other delays were in the 15 to 30-minute range.

Local officials emphasized that essential federal aviation personnel, including air traffic controllers, continue to work without pay during the shutdown. That ongoing staffing helped San Diego avoid the worst of the strain seen elsewhere.

Travelers were advised to arrive two hours early for domestic flights and three hours early for international flights. The airport also encouraged passengers to confirm flight status with airlines before leaving home and to watch for gate or schedule changes that can appear with little notice.

Federal staffing strain elsewhere, and the risk of spillover

The contrast between San Diego and other facilities was stark. At Hollywood Burbank Airport, a complete lack of tower controllers for several hours forced a workaround in which San Diego-based controllers coordinated traffic remotely. That incident underscores how the government shutdown impact at one facility can quickly alter flight flows across the region.

The Federal Aviation Administration has warned that checkpoint wait times and flight scheduling in San Diego could still be affected if federal staffing constraints deepen or if travel volumes rise.

San Diego’s experience on Monday fits a broader national pattern: even when a specific airport remains stable, weather systems, maintenance needs, and upstream delays can push schedules out of sync. In this case, the airport and airlines pointed chiefly to weather and mechanical issues, but the shutdown remains a backdrop that can magnify routine disruptions by slowing recovery times when staffing is thin.

Passengers often feel these forces at the gate rather than in headlines—short delays that stretch, a missed connection, or late-night arrivals that complicate ground transport home.

The airport emphasized it remains fully operational. Essential teams are on duty, including air traffic control and other safety-critical functions, although those federal employees are unpaid during the funding lapse. That status can increase fatigue and sick calls nationwide.

• The FAA cautioned that if these pressures grow, San Diego could see:
  • Longer lines at security
  • More frequent schedule changes

For official system-wide updates and operational guidance, travelers can consult the Federal Aviation Administration.

Practical steps for travelers and communities that rely on air links

San Diego International connects families, students, and workers across the United States 🇺🇸 and abroad. Even modest airport delays can affect life events—starting a new job, making a same-day connection, or returning for the first day of a college term. Monday’s data show most delays were minor, yet the nearly four-hour JetBlue delay is a reminder that outliers occur.

To reduce stress during this period:

1. Arrive two hours early for domestic and three hours early for international departures, as advised by the airport.
2. Check airline apps and text alerts often on the day of travel.
3. If you have a close connection, ask your airline at check-in about rebooking options and backup routings.
4. Keep prescription medications, chargers, and key documents in your carry-on in case of extended gate holds.
5. If meeting unaccompanied minors, older adults, or travelers with disabilities, allow extra time for shifting gate assignments and possible delays.

Airport officials said they are monitoring the situation closely and coordinating with airlines to keep passengers moving. They pointed to delays at other airports as a factor in Monday’s totals—a common ripple effect when weather slows flights in one region and maintenance holds aircraft at outstations.

Operational context and outlook

• Monday’s operational picture: active runways, staffed control positions, and airlines moving passengers, albeit more slowly than usual for many flights.
• The day’s 94 delays and 2 cancellations reflect a mix of routine airline challenges and a tense national environment shaped by the government shutdown impact.
• If travel volumes rise or staffing tightens, the airport could see conditions shift.

Travelers can protect their plans by:

• Choosing earlier flights when possible (they allow more room for same-day rebooking).
• Building in wider layovers for longer trips.
• Adding buffer time on either end for tight international connections.

While essential aviation safety functions continue during the shutdown, the lack of pay for critical staff can strain the system over time. VisaVerge.com reports ongoing coverage that will track how national staffing pressures interact with local factors like weather and fleet maintenance in the days ahead.

For official information on national air traffic operations during the funding lapse, refer to the Federal Aviation Administration. For continuing coverage of air travel during the shutdown, readers can follow reporting at VisaVerge.com and the airport’s official channels.

Key takeaway: San Diego remained operational on Monday, but passengers should arrive early, check flight status frequently, and plan for potential ripple effects caused by weather, mechanical issues, and wider federal staffing pressures.