Ayesha Ali
@ayeshaali.bsky.social
Covering transportation @ABC 👩💻
American University alum 🦅
📍Washington, DC
https://abcnews.go.com/author/ayesha_ali
American University alum 🦅
📍Washington, DC
https://abcnews.go.com/author/ayesha_ali
The U.S. Department of Transportation announced it will waive the remaining $11 million in fines Southwest Airlines owed as part of a record $140 million penalty over its operational meltdown during holiday travel in 2022.
abcnews.go.com/US/11m-south...
abcnews.go.com/US/11m-south...
$11M Southwest Airlines fine waived by DOT
The U.S. DOT announced it will waive the remaining $11 million in fines Southwest Airlines owed over its operational meltdown during holiday travel in 2022.
abcnews.go.com
December 7, 2025 at 5:40 AM
The U.S. Department of Transportation announced it will waive the remaining $11 million in fines Southwest Airlines owed as part of a record $140 million penalty over its operational meltdown during holiday travel in 2022.
abcnews.go.com/US/11m-south...
abcnews.go.com/US/11m-south...
Reposted by Ayesha Ali
69,738 - Average daily number of federal workers taking the Metro in September
50,871 - Average daily number in the first two weeks of October
#washingtondc @wmata.com @wmatagm.bsky.social
50,871 - Average daily number in the first two weeks of October
#washingtondc @wmata.com @wmatagm.bsky.social
How the shutdown has hit D.C., by the numbers
From Metro ridership to food bank lines, these numbers show how the shutdown is tearing through the Washington, D.C. region.
www.washingtonpost.com
October 30, 2025 at 3:06 PM
69,738 - Average daily number of federal workers taking the Metro in September
50,871 - Average daily number in the first two weeks of October
#washingtondc @wmata.com @wmatagm.bsky.social
50,871 - Average daily number in the first two weeks of October
#washingtondc @wmata.com @wmatagm.bsky.social
Alaska Airlines flights are grounded nationwide due to an ongoing IT outage impacting the airline’s operations.
abcnews.go.com/US/alaska-ai...
abcnews.go.com/US/alaska-ai...
Flights canceled after IT outage grounds Alaska Airlines grounds flights nationwide
Alaska Airlines flights are grounded nationwide on Thursday after the airline said it is experiencing an "IT outage affecting operations."
abcnews.go.com
October 24, 2025 at 3:26 AM
Alaska Airlines flights are grounded nationwide due to an ongoing IT outage impacting the airline’s operations.
abcnews.go.com/US/alaska-ai...
abcnews.go.com/US/alaska-ai...
Mysterious object that hit United Airlines windshield may have been a weather balloon by WindBorne Systems, the company says
abcnews.go.com/US/mystery-o...
abcnews.go.com/US/mystery-o...
Object that hit United flight's windshield may have been weather balloon, company says
A United Airlines flight diverted to Salt Lake City after an object struck the plane's windshield at 36,000 feet, causing it to crack and injuring the pilot.
abcnews.go.com
October 21, 2025 at 12:02 PM
Mysterious object that hit United Airlines windshield may have been a weather balloon by WindBorne Systems, the company says
abcnews.go.com/US/mystery-o...
abcnews.go.com/US/mystery-o...
Air traffic controller shortages amid shutdown lead to canceled flights, delays nationwide.
abcnews.go.com/US/air-traff...
abcnews.go.com/US/air-traff...
Air traffic controller shortages amid shutdown lead to canceled flights, delays nationwide
Controllers are considered essential workers and are exempt from being furloughed during a shutdown.
abcnews.go.com
October 8, 2025 at 12:49 AM
Air traffic controller shortages amid shutdown lead to canceled flights, delays nationwide.
abcnews.go.com/US/air-traff...
abcnews.go.com/US/air-traff...
A stowaway was found dead Sunday in the landing gear of an American Airlines flight that recently arrived in Charlotte, North Carolina, from Europe, according to police. Crews performing maintenance on the plane discovered the individual.
abcnews.go.com/US/stowaway-...
abcnews.go.com/US/stowaway-...
Stowaway found dead inside landing gear of an American Airlines flight
A stowaway was found dead Sunday in the landing gear of an American Airlines flight that arrived in North Carolina from Europe, according to police.
abcnews.go.com
September 28, 2025 at 10:52 PM
A stowaway was found dead Sunday in the landing gear of an American Airlines flight that recently arrived in Charlotte, North Carolina, from Europe, according to police. Crews performing maintenance on the plane discovered the individual.
abcnews.go.com/US/stowaway-...
abcnews.go.com/US/stowaway-...
The FAA issued a safety alert urging airlines to re-evaluate evacuation procedures, crew training, and announcements after passengers in recent evacuations tried leaving with carry-ons, slowing the evacuation process and creating a safety risk. Here’s what the agency recommends:
September 19, 2025 at 12:23 PM
The FAA issued a safety alert urging airlines to re-evaluate evacuation procedures, crew training, and announcements after passengers in recent evacuations tried leaving with carry-ons, slowing the evacuation process and creating a safety risk. Here’s what the agency recommends:
An air traffic controller admonished a Spirit Airlines pilot, telling the individual to "pay attention" as the plane flew several miles from Air Force One, according to audio of the exchange.
abcnews.go.com/US/air-traff...
abcnews.go.com/US/air-traff...
Air traffic controller tells Spirit pilot to 'pay attention' while flying near Air Force One
The incident occurred Tuesday morning as President Donald Trump was flying to the United Kingdom aboard Air Force One.
abcnews.go.com
September 17, 2025 at 9:58 PM
An air traffic controller admonished a Spirit Airlines pilot, telling the individual to "pay attention" as the plane flew several miles from Air Force One, according to audio of the exchange.
abcnews.go.com/US/air-traff...
abcnews.go.com/US/air-traff...
Reposted by Ayesha Ali
A firefighting helicopter crew’s decision to fly an altitude higher than they were cleared for and the subsequent rapid descent led to the deaths of three people in a midair collision in 2023, according to a final report from the NTSB.
www.cnn.com/2025/09/12/u...
www.cnn.com/2025/09/12/u...
California firefighting helicopter collision caused by pilot flying too high and making rapid descent, NTSB reports | CNN
A firefighting helicopter crew’s decision to fly an altitude higher than they were cleared for and the subsequent rapid descent led to the deaths of three people in a midair collision in 2023, accordi...
www.cnn.com
September 12, 2025 at 8:24 PM
A firefighting helicopter crew’s decision to fly an altitude higher than they were cleared for and the subsequent rapid descent led to the deaths of three people in a midair collision in 2023, according to a final report from the NTSB.
www.cnn.com/2025/09/12/u...
www.cnn.com/2025/09/12/u...
NEW: A man walking his dog along the Potomac River on Sunday found what appears to be an airplane seat and a tray table among other airplane debris.
The NTSB is now examining the debris, which is believed to be from the mid-air collision at DCA.
abcnews.go.com/US/dc-plane-...
The NTSB is now examining the debris, which is believed to be from the mid-air collision at DCA.
abcnews.go.com/US/dc-plane-...
Possible DC plane crash wreckage found by man walking his dog
The NTSB is now examining the debris, which is believed to be from the mid-air collision between a regional jet and an Army helicopter in January.
abcnews.go.com
September 4, 2025 at 1:13 AM
NEW: A man walking his dog along the Potomac River on Sunday found what appears to be an airplane seat and a tray table among other airplane debris.
The NTSB is now examining the debris, which is believed to be from the mid-air collision at DCA.
abcnews.go.com/US/dc-plane-...
The NTSB is now examining the debris, which is believed to be from the mid-air collision at DCA.
abcnews.go.com/US/dc-plane-...
Spirit Airlines announced that it has voluntarily filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy -- marking the second time the budget airline has filed for bankruptcy in less than a year.
abcnews.go.com/Business/spi...
abcnews.go.com/Business/spi...
Spirit Airlines files for bankruptcy for 2nd time in less than a year
There will be no impact to Labor Day travel as flights will continue to operate normally, according to the airline.
abcnews.go.com
August 29, 2025 at 9:44 PM
Spirit Airlines announced that it has voluntarily filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy -- marking the second time the budget airline has filed for bankruptcy in less than a year.
abcnews.go.com/Business/spi...
abcnews.go.com/Business/spi...
Earlier today, the FAA resumed flights into Newark after radio frequency issues at Philly TRACON. It’s the 2nd issue in 24 hrs, per an air traffic controller. “FTI issues” last night briefly held arrivals. Pilots reported on atc recording having trouble hearing call signs from controllers.
August 28, 2025 at 8:44 PM
Earlier today, the FAA resumed flights into Newark after radio frequency issues at Philly TRACON. It’s the 2nd issue in 24 hrs, per an air traffic controller. “FTI issues” last night briefly held arrivals. Pilots reported on atc recording having trouble hearing call signs from controllers.
The Department of Transportation announced it's "reclaiming management" of Union Station as Amtrak rolls out its new Acela trains.
abcnews.go.com/Politics/dep...
abcnews.go.com/Politics/dep...
Department of Transportation announces new Acela trains, plan to control DC's Union Station
Duffy said the Transportation Department "can manage the property better."
abcnews.go.com
August 27, 2025 at 9:54 PM
The Department of Transportation announced it's "reclaiming management" of Union Station as Amtrak rolls out its new Acela trains.
abcnews.go.com/Politics/dep...
abcnews.go.com/Politics/dep...
Passenger calls United Airlines & loses $17,000 to a scammer. A customer service agent unknowingly transferred his call to a scammer. United says it's working with American Express to make the situation right for him.
www.goodmorningamerica.com/travel/story...
www.goodmorningamerica.com/travel/story...
How a man says he fell for a travel scam while rebooking a United Airlines flight
A man from Denver was rebooking a flight for a family vacation when the purchase actually went through for a scammer.
www.goodmorningamerica.com
August 22, 2025 at 8:15 PM
Passenger calls United Airlines & loses $17,000 to a scammer. A customer service agent unknowingly transferred his call to a scammer. United says it's working with American Express to make the situation right for him.
www.goodmorningamerica.com/travel/story...
www.goodmorningamerica.com/travel/story...
Over 1,000 United flights delayed as the airline says the tech issue is resolved & its working to get passengers to their destinations. United will cover meals and hotel expenses for affected travelers. FAA and @SecDuffy have been briefed and are offering full support.
abcnews.go.com/US/united-ai...
abcnews.go.com/US/united-ai...
Hundreds of flights delayed after tech issue grounds United Airlines flights
United Airlines has grounded flights nationwide on Wednesday night due to an issue with its weight and balance computer system.
abcnews.go.com
August 7, 2025 at 3:19 AM
Over 1,000 United flights delayed as the airline says the tech issue is resolved & its working to get passengers to their destinations. United will cover meals and hotel expenses for affected travelers. FAA and @SecDuffy have been briefed and are offering full support.
abcnews.go.com/US/united-ai...
abcnews.go.com/US/united-ai...
Reposted by Ayesha Ali
We rarely use the ‘commentary’ tag at @theaircurrent.com. It was time.
AI slop fills the information void of Air India crash investigation theaircurrent.com/commentary/a...
AI slop fills the information void of Air India crash investigation theaircurrent.com/commentary/a...
Commentary: AI slop fills the information void of Air India crash investigation
With scant official information available nearly two weeks after the crash of Air India 171, fictional AI-generated accident reports and outrage bait have spread like wildfire
theaircurrent.com
June 25, 2025 at 8:43 PM
We rarely use the ‘commentary’ tag at @theaircurrent.com. It was time.
AI slop fills the information void of Air India crash investigation theaircurrent.com/commentary/a...
AI slop fills the information void of Air India crash investigation theaircurrent.com/commentary/a...
Reposted by Ayesha Ali
Flights in and out of New Jersey's Newark airport were delayed or canceled due to an FAA equipment outage overnight.
April 29, 2025 at 12:56 PM
Flights in and out of New Jersey's Newark airport were delayed or canceled due to an FAA equipment outage overnight.
NEW: Heathrow Airport is now open and fully operational after yesterday’s power outage & closure. The airport said extra staff is on-site to assist travelers, and more flights were added to accommodate the additional 10,000 passengers that will be traveling through the airport on Saturday.
March 22, 2025 at 8:05 AM
NEW: Heathrow Airport is now open and fully operational after yesterday’s power outage & closure. The airport said extra staff is on-site to assist travelers, and more flights were added to accommodate the additional 10,000 passengers that will be traveling through the airport on Saturday.
NEW: Heathrow Airport in London is closed until 11:59pm on March 21 due to a power outage caused by “fire at an electrical substation supplying the airport” per airport officials. As of now, there are only 9 flight cancellations & 134 delays but numbers are expected to rise if it remains closed
March 21, 2025 at 3:24 AM
NEW: Heathrow Airport in London is closed until 11:59pm on March 21 due to a power outage caused by “fire at an electrical substation supplying the airport” per airport officials. As of now, there are only 9 flight cancellations & 134 delays but numbers are expected to rise if it remains closed
Also earlier today, the Transportation Safety Board of Canada released its preliminary report revealing new details and images on the Delta plane that overturned and crashed while landing in Toronto last month.
Our reporting:
abcnews.go.com/Internationa...
Our reporting:
abcnews.go.com/Internationa...
Right main landing gear collapsed on impact in fiery Toronto plane crash: Preliminary report
The right main landing gear collapsed on impact when a Delta flight landed at Toronto's Pearson International Airport last month.
abcnews.go.com
March 21, 2025 at 1:12 AM
Also earlier today, the Transportation Safety Board of Canada released its preliminary report revealing new details and images on the Delta plane that overturned and crashed while landing in Toronto last month.
Our reporting:
abcnews.go.com/Internationa...
Our reporting:
abcnews.go.com/Internationa...
ICYMI: The NTSB said FSK Bridge collapse could have been prevented if MDTA had done a vulnerability assessment. It’s now recommending vulnerability assessments for 68 U.S. bridges, including the Golden Gate, Chesapeake Bay, Brooklyn & Mackinac.
Our reporting:
abcnews.go.com/US/ntsb-reco...
Our reporting:
abcnews.go.com/US/ntsb-reco...
NTSB recommends vulnerability assessments on 68 bridges following Key Bridge collapse
The bridges include iconic landmarks such as the Golden Gate Bridge, the Chesapeake Bay Bridge, the Brooklyn Bridge and the Mackinac Bridge.
abcnews.go.com
March 21, 2025 at 1:08 AM
ICYMI: The NTSB said FSK Bridge collapse could have been prevented if MDTA had done a vulnerability assessment. It’s now recommending vulnerability assessments for 68 U.S. bridges, including the Golden Gate, Chesapeake Bay, Brooklyn & Mackinac.
Our reporting:
abcnews.go.com/US/ntsb-reco...
Our reporting:
abcnews.go.com/US/ntsb-reco...
NEW: The Federal Aviation Administration is reinstating 132 FAA probationary employees represented by the Professional Aviation Safety Specialists (PASS) who were terminated as part of the mass layoffs across federal agencies, according to the union.
March 17, 2025 at 9:16 PM
NEW: The Federal Aviation Administration is reinstating 132 FAA probationary employees represented by the Professional Aviation Safety Specialists (PASS) who were terminated as part of the mass layoffs across federal agencies, according to the union.
ICYMI: The Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation unanimously advanced Sean Duffy’s nomination for transportation secretary. His nomination will now head to the Senate floor for a confirmation vote.
abcnews.go.com/Politics/liv...
abcnews.go.com/Politics/liv...
Senate panel advances nomination for Trump's transportation pick
abcnews.go.com
January 23, 2025 at 9:17 PM
ICYMI: The Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation unanimously advanced Sean Duffy’s nomination for transportation secretary. His nomination will now head to the Senate floor for a confirmation vote.
abcnews.go.com/Politics/liv...
abcnews.go.com/Politics/liv...
New: Delta Air Lines will resume flights to Tel Aviv starting April 1. The airline said the decision was made after "a comprehensive security review, conducted in close coordination with government and private-sector partners."
January 23, 2025 at 9:16 PM
New: Delta Air Lines will resume flights to Tel Aviv starting April 1. The airline said the decision was made after "a comprehensive security review, conducted in close coordination with government and private-sector partners."