#flight-disruptions

#flight-disruptions

Thanksgiving weekend is typically one of the busiest times to travel, and thanks to multiple factors, this year could devolve into chaos. Travel companies and federal officials have already warned that if the government shutdown continues, travelers could face a continuation of reduced flights, as well as the always possible risk of disruptive weather. For those who are still planning to travel, travel professionals advise taking certain steps to maximize your chances of a smooth experience.

Hurricane Melissa has shut down Jamaica's airports and is disrupting flights through the Caribbean. A map published by FlightRadar at around 8 a.m. ET on Wednesday shows how flights to and from the US are avoiding the hurricane, which is the most powerful ever to hit Jamaica. As the hurricane moved north over Cuba, flights between Florida and the Dominican Republic or Puerto Rico were forced to take longer routes around it.

All of New Jersey has been under a state of emergency since Saturday night. It's expected to last into Monday, authorizing the state's emergency services personnel to be activated as necessary. Parts of the state are forecast to experience moderate to major coastal flooding, inland flash flooding, winds up to 60 mph (97 kph), up to 5 inches (about 13 centimeters) of rain and high surf, potentially causing beach erosion. Some volunteers were putting sandbags at beaches.

Police are investigating the appearance of drones over the airspace in Aalborg, a city in the north of Denmark. The airport in the northern Danish city of Aalborg was closed on Wednesday, after drones were observed over its airspace, an airport spokesperson said. No information was provided on how many drones had been seen.

"Due to a technology issue, we are holding United mainline flights at their departure airports," the airline said in a statement.

The Federal Aviation Administration announced that flights at JFK International Airport would be grounded due to a severe thunderstorm, creating widespread travel delays.

Flights into and around the Middle East were heavily impacted overnight, as Qatar closed its airspace ahead of an Iranian missile attack on a US base.