American Airlines was recently in the news after cancelling and delaying many flights. This weekend, it is Southwest Airlines that appears to be experiencing the most problems.Southwest Airlines faces operational meltdownAccording to published data, Southwest Airlines has cancelled or delayed almost 4,000 flights in the past three days (and counting). There is no end in sight for these issues. Below is a list of Southwest Airlines cancellations and delays between Friday and today.Southwest cancelled 254 flights (6%) and delayed 1,575 flights (42%) on Friday, June 25, 2021.Southwest cancelled 307 flights (9%) and delayed 1,440 flights (42%) on Saturday, June 26, 2021.Southwest cancelled 38 flights (1%) and delayed 308 (8%) on Sunday, June 27, 202217As the day progresses, I expect that cancellations and delays will increase. Although cancelations are less frequent today than yesterday, I expect to see another 1,000+ delays today (Sunday). Although I would like to see the schedule stabilize a bit more as the week begins, given the busy travel week ahead, Im skeptical.Although Southwest is trying to rebook as many people as possible, many passengers find that the next flight available is just a few days later. As the pandemic began, we have seen a record number and quality domestic flights.What is the reason for Southwests cancellations?Officially, a spokesperson for Southwest Airlines blames the cancellations on the weather and air traffic control.We implemented a schedule reduction in advance of possible storms and air traffic control initiatives to proactively manage our operation.This doesn't necessarily tell the whole story and doesn't account for roughly half the flights that were delayed or canceled in the last few days. This is especially true when you consider that other airlines don't have these issues. Weather is certainly a factor in delays and cancellations, but the bigger issue is the extent to which airlines are being stretched to their limits.Numerous major airlines in the United States have a shortage of staff across a variety of roles, including pilots and rampers. The sudden increase in travel demand has clearly excited airlines, so they set up their summer schedules optimistically. Evidently, Southwest was a little too optimistic and they are already seeing the effects of it.There is a tendency to have a domino effect when things go wrong within the airline industry. These problems have been caused by weather on some level. However, Southwest is seeing more than that.Bottom lineSouthwest Airlines is delaying or cancelling thousands of flights. Southwest Airlines cancelled or delayed 48% of its flights on Friday. Yesterday, 51% of Southwest flights were canceled or delayed. Although this is officially attributed to weather, it is clear that Southwest's operations are being stretched to their limits right now.Are any OMAAT readers affected by Southwest's operational problems?
