Texas Longhorns Cleared for New Takeoff Time After FAA Lifts Ground Stoppage
Stoppage Delays Texas Travel
Texas planned to leave Austin on Friday for Baton Rouge, where the Longhorns are set to face the LSU Tigers this weekend. As the team prepared for takeoff, the FAA announced a nationwide stoppage of flights in the United States.
The team deplaned and returned to campus. A little over 4 1/2 hours later, the FAA lifted the stoppage, allowing Texas to revise its travel plans.
New Departure Time Set
American Airlines and FlightRadar.com listed the Longhorns’ new departure time as 8:47 p.m. CT Friday from Austin to Baton Rouge. The article estimates the flight would take about 90 minutes.
The report said Texas appeared likely to reach Baton Rouge that night, provided the FAA did not issue another stoppage. It also said a possible second stoppage would likely not prevent the charter flight from landing once airborne.
Kickoff Still Scheduled
Despite the travel delay, the article said the situation was not expected to affect the scheduled 6:30 p.m. CT kickoff Saturday at Tiger Stadium. Commercial flights around the country could continue to face delays as departure times are reorganized. The SEC said it was monitoring the situation and staying in contact with member institutions. The conference said, “The safety and well-being of student-athletes, coaches, and team personnel remain our highest priority.”
Key points
- The FAA lifted its nationwide flight stoppage a little over 4 1/2 hours after announcing it.
- Texas was scheduled to depart Austin for Baton Rouge at 8:47 p.m. CT Friday.
- The article estimated the flight would take about 90 minutes.
- The SEC said it was monitoring possible disruptions and coordinating with member institutions.