Ahmed Kamel – Egypt Daily News
Severe staff shortages have caused significant disruptions across the three major airports serving the New York City area, leading to hours-long delays and hundreds of flight cancellations nationwide, according to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
Arriving flights at John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) are experiencing average delays of nearly three hours due to staffing shortages in air traffic control, while departures are currently delayed by about 75 minutes, a figure that continues to rise as the day progresses.
At Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR), inbound flights face average delays of more than two hours, and departures are running about 45 minutes behind schedule. Meanwhile, LaGuardia Airport (LGA) is reporting roughly one-hour delays for both arriving and departing flights.
The disruptions coincide with a new round of flight cancellations by major U.S. airlines following an FAA directive to reduce flight schedules by 4 percent across 40 major airports nationwide. The measure, aimed at easing pressure on an overstretched air traffic control system, has forced airlines to trim operations during peak travel periods.
According to data released by the airlines, more than 600 flights have been canceled so far. American Airlines reported canceling around 220 flights, United Airlines 168, Delta Air Lines 158, and Southwest Airlines just under 100.
Industry analysts say the persistent shortage of qualified air traffic controllers, combined with high post-pandemic travel demand, continues to strain the U.S. aviation network. The FAA has acknowledged the staffing gap and announced plans to accelerate hiring and training efforts, but experts warn that relief may take years to materialize.
Travelers across the U.S. particularly those flying through the busy New York air corridor, have been urged to check their flight status before heading to the airport, as delays are expected to continue through the weekend.
