Now Airlines Say Delays and Cancellations Are the FAA’s Fault

Due to pilot and staffing shortages, airlines have cut back on the number of flights so far this summer, causing many delays and cancelations.

The main trade group for U.S. carriers, Airlines for America, says that staffing shortages at the FAA are to blame for the problems.

On Friday, A4A criticized the FAA's understaffing and asked for a full count of the government agency's staffing plans for the upcoming July 4th Holiday Weekend so that airlines can respond accordingly.

Nicholas Calio, president of the trade group, said in a letter to the transportation secretary that the industry was doing everything it could to create a positive customer experience.

More than 20,000 flights were delayed or canceled two weekends ago. With July 4 falling on a Monday this year, it could be worse.

While the FAA has had similar retention and staffing issues, it hasn't been as bad as the airlines, which misjudged the number of buyouts and early retirement offers and downsizing that took place during the pandemic.

Calio said airlines have done their part by eliminating 15 percent of previously scheduled flights for the summer but that the FAA can cause delays due to bad weather.

Staffing challenges have led to traffic restrictions under blue sky conditions.

Billions of dollars were accepted in government grants and loans two years ago.

The FAA said that people expect when they buy an airline ticket that they will get where they need to go safely. The American people deserved to have their expectations met after receiving $54 billion in relief to save the airlines.