JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Despite the FAA’s implementation of new flight restrictions that grounded aircraft at 40 major airports nationwide on Friday, Jacksonville International Airport saw minimal disruption.

Although numerous flights experienced delays throughout the day, only a single cancellation was recorded by 6 p.m. on November 7, 2025. That cancellation was American Airlines flight AA-5057 heading to Philadelphia, a location where 4% of flights were grounded due to the restrictions.

The FAA’s restrictions are part of a gradual plan, with expectations to tighten further, affecting 5% of flights on Saturday and potentially increasing to 10% the following week as the agency undertakes comprehensive safety evaluations of air traffic systems.

Those restrictions are part of a phased plan expected to tighten to 5% Saturday and up to 10% next week as the agency continues safety checks on air traffic systems.

Despite that, travelers at JAX described a smooth experience.

“We got one notice yesterday from Southwest, and we called and they said there wasn’t any problem,” said Carol Koinis, a flyer headed to Long Island. “We called again this morning, and they said just a five-minute delay. That was it.”

Other travelers echoed her relief.

“I see here it’s okay, and not so busy,” said Francisco Navarro, who was flying to Washington D.C and San Francisco before connecting to the Philippines. “Everything is on time.”

Inside the terminal, airport volunteer Marie Mathuria said she’s only had to help one traveler whose flight was canceled.

“Because American Airlines got canceled. We don’t know why, but I sent him back to the ticket counter — maybe they can explain it better,” Mathuria said.

Otherwise, she says, operations have been calm.

“A lot of early arrivals and no cancellations — nothing,” she said.

As of late Friday, TSA lines were moving steadily and most arrivals and departures remained on time. 

Jacksonville’s experience contrasted with the country’s busiest hubs, including Atlanta, New York and Los Angeles, which each saw dozens of cancellations.

Mathuria summed up the local mood simply:

“So far, like I said, Jacksonville is doing pretty well,” she said. “We don’t know what’s happening later on, but so far it’s good.”

Airport officials continue urging travelers to check flight statuses frequently and arrive early, especially as unpaid TSA staff and air traffic controllers work through the ongoing restrictions.