NCAA Warns of Travel Disruptions for Basketball Tournaments

The NCAA has issued warnings to colleges about potential travel disruptions for the upcoming men's and women's basketball tournaments, citing a strained charter aircraft market amid a partial government shutdown and increased demand from federal immigration operations. The alerts come as teams prepare for Selection Sunday, when brackets for the 68-team fields will be announced, setting off a rapid relocation of participants across the country.

In a memo distributed last month, the NCAA outlined challenges that could lead to delayed flights, smaller aircraft or adjustments to travel schedules for the 136 teams involved. Officials attribute the pressures to several factors, including the government shutdown, which has left some federal airport workers unpaid and caused longer security lines at checkpoints. Rising energy costs from the Middle East conflict, combined with seasonal increases in air travel during warmer weather, have further tightened availability. A key strain stems from a surge in deportation flights by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, which has reached record levels during the current administration. Reports indicate more than 14,000 such flights occurred...