Heads up, Florida travelers: SpaceX’s rocket dreams might impact your next flight. The FAA’s draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) reveals that launches from Kennedy Space Center could ripple through busy Florida airspace—potentially causing delays of up to two hours, airport ground stops, flight reroutes, or even cancellations.
Which airports could be affected? Big names like Orlando International, Miami International, Tampa International, and Fort Lauderdale–Hollywood International all appear on the risk radar. If Starship blasts off or its Super Heavy booster descends, flights might face delays anywhere from 40 minutes to two hours. Even reentries of the spacecraft could slow things down, leading to one-hour delays—especially for airlines navigating the packed airports nearby.
To manage the risk, the FAA plans to create Aircraft Hazard Areas (AHAs) over zones potentially affected during launches or landings. These no-fly zones could cover vast stretches of the Atlantic, parts of the Gulf of Mexico, the Caribbean, and even reach Central American airspace. That means planes might need to take longer routes, and coast-hugging flights could find themselves over open water quite a bit longer.
Several airports haven’t yet been briefed—Tampa International said discussions are pending, while Miami International hasn’t received updates at all. That’s a little surprising, given how SpaceX’s Falcon rocket launches—those no stranger to Florida skies—typically don’t disrupt airline schedules.
The difference? Falcons are predictable, smaller, and well-tested. In contrast, Starship is still in development, with test flights sometimes ending in spectacular explosions. The FAA admits that each Starship flight could have a different impact on airspace shutdowns—but over time, as Starship gains reliability, those no-fly zones may shrink.
Behind the scenes, the FAA is working hard on solutions. They’ve already created temporary Airspace Management Plans, coordinate with aviation groups, and built tools like the Space Data Integrator, which uses real-time data from SpaceX to minimize closed airspace windows. They’re also exploring dynamic flight rerouting and timing strategies to ease congestion.
Meanwhile, the U.S. Space Force is conducting a similar environmental review at Cape Canaveral. Their estimate? Up to 76 launches a year… though the specifics on airspace closures are still under wraps.
At its core, Starship is a giant leap for interplanetary travel. Standing more than 400 feet tall, the rocket features a reusable Super Heavy booster and Starship upper stage. SpaceX’s goal? Make high-frequency, cost-effective launches—maybe even to the moon or Mars. But before humans can take off beyond Earth, we’ve got to navigate the grounded reality: shared skyways and flights that just can’t wait.
About the Author
