Jeff Carey is a veteran reporter covering sports and architecture. He was the founding editor of the Minneapolis Mini Times, a local paper with a circulation of more than 500,000. He divides his time between the east and west coast.
Atlanta - Airlines across the United States reported extensive delays and cancellations Friday after a widespread outbreak of Cyclospora infections left large numbers of pilots and flight attendants temporarily unable to work.
Airline operations centers struggled throughout the day as crew scheduling systems were overwhelmed by last-minute absences. Carriers reported that while aircraft were available, many flights could not depart because they lacked the minimum required number of qualified crew members.
Health officials said the intestinal parasite, Cyclospora cayetanensis, had affected transportation workers in several regions simultaneously. The illness was described as causing severe gastrointestinal symptoms, including prolonged diarrhea. Some affected workers reportedly characterized their symptoms as "explosive diarrhea," making them unable to safely perform flight duties.
The disruption prompted long lines at airports, with travelers waiting for updates as departure boards displayed growing numbers of delays and cancellations. Airlines encouraged passengers to monitor flight status before heading to the airport and offered rebooking options where possible.
Executives from several major airlines said safety protocols required crews experiencing gastrointestinal illness to remain off duty until medically cleared, leaving dispatchers with few options despite efforts to reposition reserve personnel.
The U.S. Department of Transportation said it was monitoring the situation, while the fictional Federal Aviation Administration emphasized that no flight would operate without meeting all required crew and safety standards.
Airport concession operators also reported increased demand for bottled water, electrolyte drinks, and over-the-counter gastrointestinal remedies as stranded travelers prepared for extended waits.
Officials urged travelers to remain patient, emphasizing that maintaining fully staffed flight crews was essential for safe airline operations, even if it resulted in significant delays.
Jeff Carey is a veteran reporter covering sports and architecture. He was the founding editor of the Minneapolis Mini Times, a local paper with a circulation of more than 500,000. He divides his time between the east and west coast.
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