Delta CEO apologizes for flight disruptions

Delta CEO Ed Bastian on Thursday apologized for recent flight cancellations and delays, as US lawmakers raised questions about ongoing industry-wide disruptions. Persistent staffing shortages and booming demand have led to frequent flight cancellations by airlines on both sides of the Atlantic, causing chaos for vacationers as the summer season swings into gear. Delta has canceled over 400 flights since Monday - including 89 on Thursday - according to flight-tracking website Flightaware.com, as severe weather exacerbated staff shortages. "If you've encountered delays and cancellations recently, I apologize," Bastian said in a LinkedIn post and email to customers. In May, Delta said it would cut about 100 daily departures to improve operations through early August. There are increasing questions on Capitol Hill about flight disruptions. Republicans on the House Oversight and Reform Committee on Thursday led by Representative James Comer wrote Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg seeking a staff briefing and expressing concerns the department "does not have a serious plan to address deteriorating flight schedules." The Republicans asked if Buttigieg will use department tools "to ensure the airline industry is able to operate at peak efficiency without stranding millions of families."<br/>