U.S. senators press U.S. airlines, USDOT on flight cancellations

Two U.S. senators on Thursday urged airlines and regulators to take steps to reduce flight cancellations and delays after more than 2,700 Memorial Day weekend flights were cancelled. Travelers are bracing for a difficult summer as airlines expect record demand and are still rebuilding staff after thousands of workers left the industry during the COVID-19 pandemic. Democratic Senators Richard Blumenthal and Edward Markey asked Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg in a letter to detail steps the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) "is taking to hold airlines accountable for serious disruptions and to ensure consumers are wholly and justly compensated." They added: "While some flight cancellations are unavoidable, the sheer number of delays and cancellations this past weekend raises questions about airline decision-making." They wrote Airlines for America, a trade group representing American Airlines (AAL.O), Delta Air Lines (DAL.N), United Airlines (UAL.O) and others seeking an "update on airlines' plans to reduce and minimize the impact of such delays and cancellations going forward." Airlines are working to hire and train more workers to accommodate the growing demand. Delta Chief Executive Officer Ed Bastian told reporters Wednesday in New York the airline is working to train new employees "as we're seeing historic surging demand."<br/>