An United Airlines seen at LaGuardia International Airport in Recent York.
Adam Jeffery | CNBC
The Federal Aviation Administration on Wednesday announced measures to attempt to avoid a repeat of disruptions at airports serving Recent York City and Washington D.C. this summer because it grapples with a shortage of air traffic controllers at a key facility in the realm.
The agency said it’s going to reduce flight requirements for airlines’ take off and landing rights to avoid congestion. Airlines have until April 30 to file requests to present up take-off and landing slots.
The waiver would last from May 15 through Sept. 15.
Airline executives have repeatedly complained about air traffic control shortfalls contributing to flight disruptions as air travel sprang back from pandemic lows prior to now few years. Airlines last summer also reduced their schedules to avoid delays as they handled their very own staffing issues and other strains.
The FAA said it expects increased delays within the Recent York City area this summer compared with last 12 months, projecting a forty five% rise in delays with operations growing 7%.
United Airlines said it could seek a waiver for certain use of take-off and landing allotments on the three biggest Recent York-area airports and Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. In a letter to the FAA’s acting Administrator Billy Nolen on Wednesday, United said it could use aircraft with more seats to make up for reduced numbers of flights and offer alternative flights to affected customers.
Delta Air Lines applauded the FAA’s measure.
“Delta is reviewing our network to make sure the perfect customer experience throughout the summer travel season and we’re committed to working with the FAA on measures to make sure the security and efficiency of operations on the NY/NJ Airports,” the carrier said in an announcement.
Later this month, the FAA will hold a summit with airlines about other ways it might probably ease disruptions in the realm. It held an identical event last 12 months at Florida as airline passengers faced delays stemming from bad weather, high demand and congestion from issues like space launches and military exercises.
