Airlines are scrapping flights due to staff shortages – see if you’re affected
AIRLINES have announced that they are scrapping some flights to a holiday destination amid staff shortages.
Already this year, border strikes have caused problems for travellers, while passport office strikes could also have implications for those with summer trips booked.
However, air traffic controller shortages could create risks for passengers heading to the United States later this year.
According to CNN, American Airlines plans to slash services at two New York airports, while both United and Delta have also asked the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to scrap flights in the region.
The service cuts will affect summer flights in and out of New York’s JFK, Newark and LaGuardia airports.
The FAA has also warned that air traffic control “staffing shortfalls” could increase delays by as much as 45 per cent.
American airlines spokesperson Curtis Blessing said in a statement: “American will temporarily reduce frequencies on select routes from LaGuardia Airport and Newark Liberty International Airport this summer.
“We’re proactively reaching out to affected customers to offer alternate travel arrangements.”
CNN report that the airline cut flights between LaGuardia and Dallas-Fort Worth, Miami and Kansas City, as well as flights between Newark and Chicago O’Hare.
Meanwhile Delta is yet to announce any service cuts formally, with the airline still reviewing what it can offer before an April 30 deadline.
No specific announcement has been made from United regarding which services it will be cutting either.
Meanwhile, the air traffic controller’s union is looking at how it can fix the staff shortages.
The problem arose after the FAA paused hiring and training of air traffic controllers during the pandemic.
Not enough new controllers have been hired and trained, despite hiring resuming, meaning that they can’t keep up with the demand for flights.
Sharon Pinkerton of Airlines for America told Congress: “They are understaffed and, so, I think they need to take that seriously and address it.
“We don’t have enough air traffic controllers and we don’t have the right technology.”
Closer to home, British Airways has already had to scrap 300 flights this year because of strikes.
Last month the airline confirmed they had to “make a small number of adjustments to our schedule” as a result of the walkouts.
The airline has reduced the number of flights to and from Heathrow Airport because of proposed strike action by airport security staff.
Airport security staff began walkouts on March 31 that are due to last until April 9 in a dispute over pay.
While long-haul services have not been impacted, around 300 flights will be affected including 16 short-haul flights daily.
The airline will be contacting customers who are affected by the strike action and passengers will either be rebooked onto another flight or offered a full refund.
Meanwhile, another travel warning has been issued for Brit families heading to a top European tourist destination during Easter holidays.
Brits have been warned to “act now” if they want their passports to be renewed in time for holidays.
