Rocky Start: Severe Weather and FAA Shortcomings Spark Turbulence

Flight disruptions reached new heights on Tuesday as a combination of severe storms and staffing challenges created a tumultuous start to the summer travel season.

By midday on Tuesday, approximately 3,000 U.S. flights experienced delays, and a further 1,100 flights were canceled due to lingering thunderstorms that had previously wreaked havoc over the weekend. These figures add to the already substantial 8,800 delays and 2,246 cancellations that occurred on Monday.

These disruptions are particularly concerning as they coincide with the upcoming Fourth of July travel period, during which millions of people are expected to fly. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has projected a surge in travelers, possibly surpassing pre-pandemic levels in 2019. This surge in demand for flights has intensified competition for available seats.

In response to the widespread flight disruptions experienced last spring and summer, the Biden administration has been exerting pressure on airlines to improve their operations. This resulted in carriers adjusting their schedules to be more realistic and manageable. However, the industry faced significant challenges in recovering from a series of persistent thunderstorms over the past weekend.

Unlike winter storms or hurricanes that typically provide advanced warning, thunderstorms pose a unique challenge for airlines due to their rapid formation. The consequential rolling delays not only strain crews to the limits of federally mandated workday hours but also worsen the overall disruption.

In addition to adverse weather conditions, certain airline executives have pointed out a shortage of air traffic controllers as contributing to the disruptions.

Scott Kirby, the CEO of United Airlines, expressed his dissatisfaction with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), stating that “the FAA frankly failed us this weekend.” He cited reductions in arrival rates by 40% and departures by 75% at Newark Liberty International Airport, one of their major hubs, during Saturday’s storms as the primary cause for massive delays, cancellations, and diversions. Kirby’s remarks were included in a memo to staff that was seen by CNBC.

The FAA responded to Kirby’s comments, stating that they are open to collaboration and willing to work with anyone to solve the problem.

Staffing challenges for air traffic control have been ongoing, with the COVID-19 pandemic significantly disrupting the hiring and training of new controllers. The Department of Transportation’s Office of the Inspector General recently published a report highlighting the risks to air traffic operations due to staffing shortfalls. As a temporary solution, the FAA and some airlines agreed to reduce flights in busy New York airports. However, these issues persist at a time when airlines are preparing for a busy summer season.

Flight crews, left waiting for reassignments, voiced their frustration with the disruptions. The Association of Flight Attendants-CWA, representing flight attendants from various airlines including United, addressed this issue in a memo to its members, acknowledging the need for a permanent solution to address irregular operations.

JetBlue Airways, based in New York, also faced a high number of flight delays and acknowledged areas for improvement in handling disruptions. Don Uselmann, the vice president of inflight experience at JetBlue, mentioned the need for more efficient updates on crew reporting times and reduced wait times for hotel assignments in a memo to the airline’s crew members.