Passengers at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport may face potential disruptions this Thanksgiving due to a worker strike at Charlotte Douglas International Airport, a key hub for American Airlines. If the wage dispute there leads to significant delays, the effects could spread across the national travel network.
Sky Harbor officials, however, said there’s no immediate cause for concern.
“We’re not seeing any impacts yet, but it’s always a good idea for travelers to check their flight status with their airline before they come to the airport,” said Heather Shelbrack, a spokeswoman for Sky Harbor.
Thanksgiving Rush at Sky Harbor
As Thanksgiving travel peaks, Sky Harbor anticipates heavy congestion throughout the week, with Wednesday and Saturday expected to be the busiest days.
“This Thanksgiving holiday will be very busy,” Shelbrack noted, urging travelers to plan ahead.
Details of the Charlotte Airport Worker Strike
Employees of ABM and Prospect Airport Services, two companies contracted by American Airlines at Charlotte Douglas International, began a 24-hour strike on Monday. Workers are demanding higher wages and better working conditions.
The Service Employees International Union, representing the workers, announced the strike early Monday morning, emphasizing the push for “an end to poverty wages and respect on the job during the holiday travel season.”
The companies, which handle tasks like cleaning airplane interiors, removing trash, and assisting passengers in wheelchairs, said they are taking measures to minimize disruptions.
Charlotte’s Role in Holiday Travel
Charlotte Douglas officials assured passengers that they are monitoring the situation and working to keep terminal operations running smoothly. The airport is preparing for its busiest Thanksgiving travel season ever, with an estimated 1.02 million passengers departing between last Thursday and the Monday after Thanksgiving.
For now, Phoenix travelers are advised to remain vigilant and check their flight statuses frequently to ensure smooth travel during the holiday rush.
