Travel delays causing concern for Thunder Ridge concert goers

GREENE COUNTY, Mo.- Major airlines like Delta, United, American and Allegiant were forced to ground flights this morning, impacting travelers across the country — including here in Springfield.

While some folks traveling this weekend aren’t too concerned about delays, others have serious reservations about getting to their destination, especially those coming to the area for Sunday’s Rolling Stones concert at Thunder Ridge Nature Arena.

Jan Taylor came to the airport today knowing her first flight would be delayed, but she’s more worried about what she’ll face at bigger airports.

“My first part of my flight stops in Atlanta. So major hub. So I’m expecting serious delays. I haven’t so far,” Taylor said. “The only notification I’ve gotten is that the flight, my arrival to Atlanta from here is going to be delayed.”

Taylor said flight delays for her won’t be the end of the world.

“I tried not to panic, but fortunately I don’t have anything planned for the next day or two. So, if there are any delays, you know, it doesn’t cause any serious issues.”

While the outage is causing problems across the nation, it’s also causing concern for people traveling to the Ozarks for The Rolling Stones Concert on Sunday.

Jill Reynolds is with Branson Taxi and has been helping people throughout the country navigate travel for the concert.

So, I started getting calls at like 6:30 in the morning from people all over the country that were flying in for the last concert of the Rolling Stones, the Last. They bought thousands of dollars’ worth of tickets.”

The Springfield-Branson National Airport has seen fewer and fewer delays throughout the day. Airport Operations Manager Chuck Cowan says things will get better through the coming days.

“So, yeah, it’s starting to thin out some the way it was earlier was pretty busy here,” Cowan said.  “I think it’s going to get better as it goes. So, it just depends on which airline and how quick they bounce back.”

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOLR - OzarksFirst.com.