Delayed flights expected starting Sunday

Nearly 7,000 flights daily could be delayed starting Sunday as air traffic controllers are furloughed nationwide, warns an airline industry trade group.

But Twin Cities airport officials don't expect major problems.

The Federal Aviation Administration has told air traffic controllers they will be furloughed for up to one day every two weeks, starting Sunday. The furlough effectively cuts staffing by ten percent and are in response to mandatory budget cuts that are part of the federal sequester.

But the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport could fare pretty well, airport spokesman Patrick Hogan said.

"In talking to the local FAA officials, we're pretty confident that it won't have major impacts here, at least not to the extent that it will at some other airports across the country," Hogan said. "But it is a concern. They'll have fewer employees."

The FAA did not respond to a request for comment. Meanwhile, Airlines for America, the industry trade group, has asked a federal court to delay the furloughs.

• MSP flight status
• FAA: Flight delay information