If we're experts on anything in 2023, it may just be shortages. Supply chain and staffing shortages have plagued various industries in pandemic times, and the travel industry is no exception. See: last year's pilot shortage, which has since bulked up thanks to aggressive airline hiring.
The latest shortage: Air traffic controllers. The Federal Aviation Administration, which oversees all air traffic controllers in the U.S., issued a notice to airlines that air traffic will have to be limited for the upcoming summer travel season, particularly in and out of major airports. A request to scale down flights due to these staffing challenges is effective for most major airlines that fly throughout the country.
Now, airlines are taking proactive measures for limited slot space at high-traffic airports, which means a reduction of flights but also, hopefully, fewer delays and last-minute changes.
Already, American Airlines announced a temporary reduction of frequencies on select routes from New York's LaGuardia Airport and Newark Airport this summer. Delta noted that the airline is currently reviewing its network to “ensure the safety and efficiency of operations” at the affected airports. United reduced daily schedules at LaGuardia, Newark and Washington D.C.’s Reagan Airport, but it isn't all bad news. United announced a plan to use larger aircraft on less frequent flights to help customers stick with summer travel plans.
“[Airlines] are essentially overstaffed right now and they are understaffed,” Sharon Pinkerton of Airlines for America recently told Congress. “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.”