United Airlines seen at LaGuardia International Airport in New York City.
Adam Jeffery | CNBC
Federal Aviation Administration on Wednesday announced measures to avoid a repeat of the disruption to airports serving New York and Washington this summer because it faces a shortage of air traffic controllers at a key facility in the realm.
The agency said it would cut back flight requirements for airline take-off and landing rights to avoid congestion. Airlines have until April 30 to submit slot requests.
The waiver was to use from May 15 to September 15.
Airline executives have repeatedly complained about air traffic control deficiencies contributing to flight disruptions as air travel has rebounded from pandemic lows over the past few years. Last summer, the airline also reduce its schedules to avoid delays because it handled its own staffing issues and other workloads.
The FAA said it expects increased delays within the New York area this summer in comparison with last yr, predicting a forty five% increase in delays with a 7% increase in operations.
United Airlines said it will seek exemptions from certain take-off and landing slots on the three largest airports within the New York City area and at John Paul II International Airport. Ronald Reagan in Washington. In a letter to Acting FAA Administrator Billy Nolen on Wednesday, United said it will use aircraft with more seats to make up for reduced flight capability and offer alternative flights to affected customers.
Delta Airlines praised the FAA measure.
“Delta is reviewing our route network to make sure one of the best possible customer experience throughout the summer travel season and we’re committed to working with the FAA on measures to make sure the protection and efficiency of operations at NY/NJ airports,” the carrier said in an announcement.
Later this month, the FAA will hold a summit with airlines on other ways to mitigate disruptions within the region. An identical event took place in Florida last yr as airline passengers faced delays attributable to bad weather, high demand and congestion attributable to issues similar to space launches and military exercises.
