United Airlines chief executive Scott Kirby told employees that a shortage of air traffic controllers affected about 150,000 passengers in recent days as the carrier struggles with canceled flights brought on by thunderstorms in the New York area.
In an email late Monday afternoon, Kirby took direct aim at the Federal Aviation Administration, saying short staffing left the agency unable to deal with the inclement weather.After a relatively smooth start to the summer travel season, the surge in delayed and canceled flights — combined with Kirby’s email — set up a clash between one of the nation’s largest airlines and the government agency responsible for keeping the skies safe as the busy July Fourth weekend approaches.
“There is an absolute recognition by Union leadership and Inflight management that something must be done in order to permanently address these adverse situations resulting from irregular operations,” the memo said. In his email to staff, Kirby said trouble began Saturday when the FAA reduced arrival and departure rates in the New York area. Continuing storms in the area have made it harder for the airline to recover.
Delta Air Lines also struggled Sunday and Monday, but as of Tuesday morning had canceled only 59 flights, as well as 70 at its regional subsidiary Endeavor Air.The disruptions are the most serious since the beginning of the summer travel season and come as the FAA is forecasting an uptick in flights this week as the July Fourth holiday approaches. The agency expects Thursday to be the busiest single day of the long holiday weekend, with 52,564 flights.
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