Travelers across the country faced the prospect of flight cancellations or delays on Saturday as airlines and airports dealt with a combination of high demand, bad weather, and staff shortages.
As of late Saturday afternoon, more than 600 flights within the United States were canceled and approximately 4,400 domestic and international flights were delayed. According to the flight tracking website FlightAware..
The number of problematic flights was higher than on regular travel days, but travel demand was also high. According to the Transportation Security AdministrationThe number of travelers on the weekend of the July 4th holiday had reached pre-pandemic levels. Travel demand on the same weekend weekend last year recovered significantly from the pandemic’s lowest level, but was still below this year’s level.
According to FlightAware data, the three US airports most affected by Saturday’s cancellations and delays were Dallas Fort Worth International Airport, Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport, and Charlotte Douglas International Airport in North Carolina.
The number of cancellations and delayed flights in the past Christmas and New Year holidays has caused havoc on airline schedules due to bad weather and a shortage of staff related to Omicron, far below the level.
Still, airlines are struggling to keep up with demand on their July 4th vacation this year, as they suffer from a shortage of pilots, weather conditions and delays in air traffic control.
A Delta spokesman said in an email, “The Delta team continues to safely manage complex factors that affect available flight crew hours, such as bad weather and air traffic control delays.” I am saying. “Cancellation of a flight has always been our last resort and we sincerely apologize for any inconvenience caused to your travel plans.”
Delta offers customers the ability to reschedule flights from July 1st to July 4th without changing fares if they are traveling between the same departure and destination. Said.
United Airlines has also blamed the weather and air traffic control programs for its delays.
In addition to the stress of American Airlines, there was a computer malfunction in the pilot travel trading system, and the airline said it allowed travel transactions that “shouldn’t have been allowed.” However, American Airlines said it “does not anticipate operational impacts due to this issue,” adding that Saturday’s “main cause of delays / cancellations” was “weather and traffic control issues.” ..
The Federal Aviation Administration said weather conditions and subsequent travel demand were the main causes of flight delays and cancellations. Authorities added in a statement: Agencies have also added alternative routes, placed more controllers in high-demand areas, and enhanced data sharing. “
