Airport leaders say the situation, which lasted roughly three days, primarily affected the nation’s largest hubs, leaving regional airports like CIRA comparatively unaffected.
CIRA stays steady while major airports face FAA chaos
Written by Jade Roth on November 16, 2025
Image courtesy of the Central Illinois Regional Airport
BLOOMINGTON, Ill. – While major airports across the country grappled with delays and cancellations triggered by the recent FAA staffing directive, Central Illinois Regional Airport (CIRA) saw only minor impacts.
According to Melissa Beaver, the airport’s marketing and communications manager, the directive caused minimal disruption locally.
“Honestly, we did not have the kinds of challenges that the bigger airports had,” Beaver said. “The FAA directive had 40 domestic airports across the country that were the big hub airports. Places like O’Hare, Hartsfield-Jackson in Atlanta and DFW. As a regional airport, we’re not affected to that level because we don’t have that volume of flights.”
CIRA operates three airlines. Beaver said only one American Airlines flight to Chicago O’Hare was canceled each day during the brief disruption.
Still, passengers felt tension. Even with limited cancellations, uncertainty around potential delays created anxiety.
“Oh, they were stressed. They were worried,” Beaver said. “You wonder, ‘Will my flight be canceled? Will it be delayed? Will there be long lines?’ Or even once you fly out of here, ‘What will it be like when you get to Dallas or Chicago or Atlanta?’ I’m sure it was very stressful for them.”
Communication became a central focus for the airport as questions circulated throughout the community. With media outlets reaching out and passengers seeking answers, CIRA emphasized transparency while directing travelers to the most reliable information sources.
“The media had called, and our response was, ‘Everything is really running pretty smoothly here,’” Beaver said. “The airlines were the ones who really had the direct contact with their passengers because they’re the ones who control their schedules.”
The airport didn’t receive personalized updates from the FAA beyond the initial notice. Instead, staff waited for broader federal guidance while encouraging travelers to monitor their own itineraries closely.
If a similar situation occurs again, the airport says its strategy comes down to timely, clear communication, especially through digital channels.
“It’s communication,” Beaver said. “Whether it is on social media or traditional media, we want to make sure people are informed. We advise passengers to download their airline’s app and keep an eye on their flight because that is the most direct, up-to-date, and accurate information. They can also check airline websites or social media.”
Despite the nationwide turmoil, CIRA officials say the airport remained largely stable, something they hope will reassure travelers should future disruptions arise.
