San Diego International Airport Experiences Flight Delays Due to Runway construction
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San Diego International Airport (SAN) experienced significant flight delays on November 28, 2025, impacting both terminals and passengers across all airlines. The delays, initially attributed to whether, were later confirmed to be primarily due to ongoing runway construction. As of 10:30 a.m. PST,FlightAware reported 46 delayed flights,a number that climbed to 68 within an hour.The Federal Aviation Management (FAA) stated the average delay was 50 minutes, with some flights experiencing delays up to 80 minutes.
Initial Reports and Conflicting Facts
Initial reports from the airport attributed the delays to inclement weather and “taxiway” construction. However, a spokesperson for SAN, Nicole Hall, later clarified that aircraft were operating in reversed landing and take-off directions due to the construction, leading to longer taxi times. The FAA’s initial alert, available on their status page here, also cited runway construction as a contributing factor. NBC 7 has reached out to Hall for further details, but has not yet received a response.
Expanding Delays and Airport Capacity
The delays initially affected departures within 1,000 nautical miles. However, the FAA later expanded the advisory to include all departures within the contiguous United States.This expansion highlights the potential for a “domino effect” given SAN’s limited infrastructure – the airport operates with only one major runway. This single runway makes the airport especially vulnerable to disruptions when undergoing construction or experiencing operational changes.
passenger Impact and recommendations
All airlines and passengers at both terminals were affected by the delays. Passengers are strongly advised to check their flight status with their respective airlines before traveling to the airport. Despite the delays,the FAA confirmed that planes are taking off,albeit later than scheduled.
Key Takeaways:
* Cause: Flight delays are primarily due to runway construction at San Diego International airport.
* Impact: All airlines and passengers at both terminals are affected.
* Delay Length: Average delay is 50 minutes, with a maximum of 80 minutes.
* Advice: Passengers should check their flight status before heading to the airport.
* Capacity: SAN’s single runway contributes to the potential for cascading delays during construction.
Looking ahead
The ongoing runway construction is intended to improve airport infrastructure and capacity in the long term. However, passengers should anticipate potential disruptions during the construction period. Regularly checking flight status and allowing extra time for travel are crucial for a smoother airport experience. Further updates will be provided as they become available.
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