Severe Weather and FAA Shortfalls Cause Rocky Start to Summer Air Travel

Severe storms and staffing issues have led to a turbulent beginning for summer air travel, resulting in flight disruptions and delays across the United States. With thunderstorms lingering in heavily congested airspace, more than 7,700 U.S. flights were delayed and nearly 2,200 were canceled on Tuesday, according to FlightAware data. The disruptions come just before the busy Fourth of July holiday travel period, adding pressure to an already strained air travel system.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) temporarily paused flights bound for New York’s LaGuardia Airport, John F. Kennedy International Airport, and Newark Liberty International Airport in New Jersey due to thunderstorms blocking arrival and departure routes. Delays at these airports were averaging three hours or longer. The disruptions have raised concerns as the Transportation Security Administration expects to screen more travelers than in 2019, leading to increased competition for available seats.

The Biden administration has been urging airlines to improve operations following widespread disruptions last year. However, the industry faced difficulties over the weekend due to persistent thunderstorms. Thunderstorms pose unique challenges for airlines as they can form with less warning compared to other major weather events. Rolling delays and crew limitations further exacerbate the disruptions.

FlightAware data reveals that approximately 30,000 flights arrived late since Saturday, with cancellation rates during this period being more than three times the yearly average. Some airline executives have attributed the disruptions to air traffic controller shortages. United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby expressed dissatisfaction with the FAA’s actions during the storms, claiming that reduced arrival and departure rates at Newark Liberty International Airport led to extensive delays and disruptions.

Staffing challenges in air traffic control have been an ongoing issue, with the Covid-19 pandemic hindering hiring and training efforts. The Department of Transportation’s Office of Inspector General highlighted the staffing shortfalls’ impact on air traffic operations, and the FAA and certain airlines agreed to reduce flights earlier this year to alleviate congestion.

The disruptions have also frustrated flight crews, as crew scheduling hold times exceeded three hours. The Association of Flight Attendants-CWA has acknowledged the need to address these adverse situations resulting from irregular operations, and United Airlines has taken measures to increase staffing and offer incentives to flight attendants.

JetBlue Airways, based in New York, also faced significant flight delays and has recognized the need for improvement in handling disruptions. The airline aims to enhance efficiency in updating crew reporting times and reducing wait times for hotel assignments during irregular operations.

As summer peak travel season commences, airlines are bracing for the challenges posed by extreme weather events, air traffic control constraints, and resulting delays. While this weekend’s disruptions may not be the last, airlines are working to navigate the complexities and provide smoother travel experiences for passengers.

Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, cnbc.com, Flight Attendants-CWA, United Airlines