FAA Warns of Massive Summer Flight Delays, Asks Airlines to Reduce Schedules

The new LaGuardia Airport Terminal B, or Central Terminal
The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration has asked the country’s largest airlines to reduce their summer flying schedules to avoid delays in the coming months.
In a letter to major carriers, the FAA, citing a severe lack of air-traffic controllers that could cause severe delays and numerous cancellations.
The agency predicted that delays in New York City could skyrocket and rise by an estimated 45%.
“Our goal is to make sure we are proactive, and where we can’t, to be as predictive as we can be to make sure that our demand matches up [to capacity],” said Billy Nolen, the FAA administrator.
Airports impacted by the move in the New York City area include John F. Kennedy International, LaGuardia, and Newark Liberty International.  Also affected by the planned cutbacks will be Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport.
The FAA is asking airlines for flight cutbacks that would be up to 10% of scheduled flying.
With the move, the likelihood of ground delays should decrease and that will help airlines maintain their schedules.
(Photo: Accura Media Group)