US (Washington Insider Magazine) – To avoid cancellations and reduce the burden on air traffic controllers, an industry facing staff shortages, the current reduction in flights to and from NYC airports will continue through October.
The measure, requested by the airlines themselves, was approved by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and also includes Washington DC airports. It was originally scheduled to expire on September 16, but has been extended another six weeks to October 28.
The strategy was first announced last March and allows airlines to reduce DST without giving up competitive “slots” at New York/NJ LaGuardia, JFK and Newark airports, as well as Reagan Domestic Terminal in the outskirts of DC
The new extension follows pleas from United Airlines and the airline industry’s main lobby group, “Airlines for America.” In a statement, the FAA says it “continues to look to airlines to operate larger aircraft to carry more passengers and to ensure passengers are fully informed of any potential disruptions.”
The FAA insists the daylight saving time relief has worked, causing cancellations at Newark, JFK and LaGuardia to drop 40% between May 15 and June 30.
In March, the FAA said that New York Radar Approach Control (TRACON), located in Westbury (Long Island), had 54% of its target level. And that staff shortage remains, CNN noted.
In a Wednesday filing, the FAA said it is “continuing to monitor performance” at that facility and “evaluating options to address staffing shortages,” but “FAA efforts will not be completed in time to address anticipated operational impacts.” at short notice in the remainder of the summer 2023 programming season.”
The shortage extends beyond air traffic controllers and includes airline staff.
This article is originally published on eldiariony.com
