Robert Besser
28 Mar 2023, 05:33 GMT+10
WASHINGTON D.C.: To address summer airport congestion and low air traffic controller staffing levels, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) said it will temporarily cut minimum flight requirements for airlines at New York City-area airports and Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport.
The FAA's move is in response to a request from Delta and United Airlines to temporarily return up to 10 percent of slots and flights at New York airports and National, on condition that they are not filled by other carriers.
As airlines are struggling to meet the recovery in demand after the end of COVID-19 restrictions, Americans could face another difficult summer of air travel.
"The decision will give airlines the ability to reduce operations during the peak summer travel period, which are likely to be exacerbated by the effects of Air Traffic Controller staffing shortfalls," the FAA said.
But airlines could lose their slots at congested airports if they do not use them at least 80 percent of the time, it added.
Airlines must act to minimize impacts on passengers, including operating larger aircraft and ensuring passengers are informed about any possible disruptions, the FAA stressed.
In a letter to the FAA, Delta officials said, "It is imperative that aviation stakeholders work collaboratively with the FAA to take proactive measures. We are prepared to do our part."
Airlines for America, a trade group representing major US airlines, lauded the FAA's decision, stating that airlines "have been making every effort, including hiring at a rapid pace and reducing schedules, to prioritize smooth operations."
Airlines have already cut about 10 percent of scheduled flights this spring to address performance issues, it added.
Get a daily dose of Japan Herald news through our daily email, its complimentary and keeps you fully up to date with world and business news as well.
Publish news of your business, community or sports group, personnel appointments, major event and more by submitting a news release to Japan Herald.
More InformationSEOUL, South Korea: Thousands of South Korean educators and school staff gathered in Seoul over the weekend to demand increased ...
CHRISTCHURCH, New Zealand In a heartfelt tribute to the victims of the tragic 2019 Christchurch attacks, the Australian Federal Police ...
JAKARTA, INDONESIA: Government data released this week showed that as imports, such as raw materials and capital goods, declined more ...
SYDNEY, Australia: Contrary to earlier concerns, exports of liquefied natural gas (LNG) continued from Chevron's two Western Australian plants last ...
TAIPEI, Taiwan: This week, Terry Gou, founder of major Apple supplier Foxconn, announced that his running mate in Taiwan's presidential ...
BEIJING, China: U.S. aerospace and defense firms Northrop Grumman and Lockheed Martin have been sanctioned by China for selling weapons ...
SHANGHAI, China: A survey published this week by the American Chamber of Commerce (AmCham) in Shanghai showed that political tensions ...
DAYTON, Ohio: Under an agreement announced this week, Joby Aviation will produce state-of-the-art electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft ...
NEW YORK, New York - U.S. stocks and bonds caught on to a global trend Thursday as sellers took charge ...
CHICAGO, Illinois: The Chicago Symphony Orchestra (CSO) and the Chicago Federation of Musicians announced over the weekend that they agreed ...
ANKARA, Turkey: During a meeting, Michael Evans, President of the Alibaba Group, told Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan that the Chinese ...
NEW YORK: This week, the Wall Street Journal (WSJ) reported that U.S. electric vehicle (EV) maker Tesla and Saudi Arabia ...