Airlines, FAA spar over flight delays as crucial Fourth of July weekend approaches

Airlines and the FAA are pointing the finger at each other over a rising rate of flight cancellations and delays, just as millions prepare to travel on the July Fourth weekend that officials expect to be among the busiest in three years. On Friday, Airlines for America, which represents the country’s largest airlines, including Delta, American, United and Southwest, requested a meeting with U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg to discuss air traffic controller staffing for the summer and other potential obstacles like space launches and military exercises. “The industry is actively and nimbly doing everything possible to create a positive customer experience since it is in an airline’s inherent interest to keep customers happy, so they return for future business,” Airlines for America CEO Nick Calio wrote in the letter. Airlines have grappled with staffing shortages after travel demand bounced back faster than they were prepared for, despite government aid that prohibited them from laying off workers during the Covid-19 pandemic. Plus, the pandemic slowed training of air traffic controllers. Both factors have made it difficult to navigate routine issues like thunderstorms during the spring and summer as Covid infections continued to sideline employees and frustrate travelers. US airlines have reduced their June-August schedules by 15% compared with their original plans, the letter from Airlines for America said.<br/>