Delta Air Lines, United Airlines and American Airlines all announced plans to reduce the number of flights to New York City airports this summer. JetBlue Airways anticipates cutbacks on flights this summer, as well. The announcement comes in response to a shortage of air traffic controllers.

The FAA expects a busy summer air travel season to and from New York City and, as a result, the agency’s Air Traffic Organization met with some of the country’s airlines to discuss the best ways to minimize impacts to passengers. These meetings ended with plans to cut back on flights across different airlines for smoother travel and fewer delays and congestion.

In February 2023, the FAA noted ATC staffing would be at about 54 percent of the levels needed for the three New York City airports. For context, staffing on a national level would be closer to 81 percent. If airlines did not make cuts on summer flights, it’s estimated about 45 percent of all flights departing from and arriving to the region could be delayed.

Delta Air Lines cut nearly 2,000 flights between New York and Washington, while United Airlines cut about 4,500 flights between the same destinations. American Airlines cut about 4,800 flights to or from LaGuardia, JFK and Reagan National from its May 1–Sept. 30 flight schedule.

Because of the lengthy process in hiring and training new air traffic controllers, the continuing staffing issue poses problems for the upcoming summer travel season. It takes about three years of training for staff to be considered fully trained as an air traffic controller. For this summer season, it’s expected New York City airports will see an overall decrease of flights by 7 percent.

Last month, the FAA published a notice of limited, conditional waiver of “the minimum usage requirement that applies to Operating Authorizations or “slots” at John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), New York LaGuardia Airport (LGA), and Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) due to post-pandemic effects on Air Traffic Controller (ATC) staffing at the New York Terminal Radar Approach Control (TRACON) facility (N90).”

The FAA also reported staffing levels at the New York Terminal Radar Approach Control remain below targets. Airlines have until April 30 to request the FAA waiver.

During the meeting between ATO and various airlines and representatives, they also discussed alternate flight paths, including over-water routes, as ways to alleviate potential flight delays and staff shortages.

Stay up to date on the FAA’s announcements here.

Do you plan to travel to or from New York City this month? Do you often travel to New York City in the summer? Will these changes potentially affect your travel plans? Tell us your thoughts. Email us at letters@globaltravelerusa.com. Please include your full name and location.