FAA Extends Slot Waivers at NYC Airports Amid Air Traffic Controller Shortage

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) said it would not penalize airlines for reducing flight schedules from the New York City area as a shortage of air traffic controllers continues to impact the aviation industry.

According to The Associated Press, FAA officials said the rules in place to penalize carriers for not using enough of their takeoff and landing rights at New York airports—also known as slots—will be eased through October 28 since the staff shortages are “beyond the control of the airlines.”

The slot waiver also applies to some flights at Reagan Washington National Airport near Washington D.C., all of which were previously set to expire on September 15.

Several major carriers, such as American, Delta, JetBlue and United, have agreed to cut flight schedules at the top airports serving New York City, including LaGuardia, John F. Kennedy International and Newark Liberty International.

“The relief provided by the FAA during the peak of the summer season has provided stability at the NYC area airports,” an FAA spokesperson told The AP.

FAA officials said that airlines have reduced their New York flights this summer by six percent, but increased the number of seats by two percent by using larger planes. As a result, flight cancellations at the New York City-area airports dropped by 40 percent year-over-year.

Earlier this week, the FAA turned over 20 cases of unruly behavior on airplanes to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) for prosecution.