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 InformationBEIJING, China: In a new sign of strain between the United States and China, Beijing has rejected a request from ...
TOKYO, Japan: After coming under public criticism for using Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida's residence for a private party, his ...
WASHINGTON D.C.: The U.S. Commerce Department has said that trade ministers from 14 countries have taken part in the US-led ...
DETROIT, Michigan: Amid broader global concerns over semiconductor chip supplies, sanctions and national security, Chinese commerce minister Wang Wentao said ...
Tokyo [Japan], June 3 (ANI): Japanese PM Fumio Kishida on Saturday said that he is "saddened" over the loss of ...
New Delhi [India], June 3 (ANI): The Indian Junior Women's Hockey Team kicked off their Women's Junior Asia Cup 2023 ...
MIAMI, Florida: Carnival Cruise Lines has said a cruise ship, the Carnival Sunshine, which sailed through rough seas off the ...
BEIJING, China: On his return to China after a three year absence, which is his company's largest production hub, Tesla ...
NEW YORK, New York - U.S. stocks surged on Friday on the debt ceiling resolution and a strong jobs report.Nonfarm ...
SANTA CLARA, California: As investors piled more capital into Nvidia, the chipmaker that has become one of the biggest winners ...
PARIS, France: France has celebrated the groundbreaking for the first of four battery manufacturing gigafactories, which European and Asian companies ...
DUBLIN, Ireland: Ireland saw a 20.0 percent increase in people arriving from overseas in April 2023, compared to April 2022, ...