As millions prepare for a July 4th travel weekend that is expected to be among the busiest in three years, airlines and the FAA are blaming each other for a rise in flight delays and canceled flights.
On Friday, Airlines for America, which represents the country's largest airlines, including Delta, American, United and Southwest, requested another meeting with the transportation secretary to discuss air traffic controller staffing for the summer and other potential obstacles.
Airlines for America CEO Nick Calio said in the letter that the industry is doing everything it can to create a positive customer experience.
Government aid that prevented them from laying off workers during the Pandemic prevented airlines from having staffing shortages. The Covid-19 slowed the training of controllers.
Both factors have made it difficult to navigate routine issues like storms during the spring and summer, as Covid-19 infections continue to sideline employees and frustrate travelers eager to vacation.
According to a letter from Airlines for America, U.S. airlines have reduced their June-August schedules by 15%.
The Newark Liberty International Airport hub in New Jersey will be cut in half starting next month in an attempt to alleviate congestion. The airlines have reduced schedules.
Airlines were criticized by the FAA for asking thousands of employees to take a leave of absence during the Pandemic.
The agency said that people expect when they buy an airline ticket that they'll get where they need to go safely. The American people deserved to have their expectations met after receiving $54 billion in relief for the airlines.
The FAA added alternate routes to ease congestion at a key air traffic control center in Florida.
Everyone is at fault, according to the founder of the Cranky Flier travel website.
The airlines are trying to fly as much as possible. Imagine if airlines flew less.
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