Several major U.S. airlines have requested an extension to the cuts on minimum flight requirements at congested airports in the New York City area and Washington. They have cited a lack of adequate air traffic control staffing as the reason for the request. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) had previously agreed to Delta Air Lines and United Airlines' request to temporarily return up to 10% of slots and flights at these airports until September 15.
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However, Airlines for America, a trade group representing major carriers, has now requested that the cuts be extended through October 28. The group stated that air traffic control staffing levels in a key northeastern sector have not improved. The FAA has yet to make a decision, stating that it is in the final stages of review.
If airlines do not use their slots at congested airports at least 80% of the time, they can lose them. In its letter, Airlines for America cited air traffic control staffing and extreme weather as "unique circumstances beyond our control." The group added that granting relief for the rest of the summer season would minimize disruptions and provide greater predictability for airlines and consumers. United Airlines had previously announced plans to drop daily flights at Newark Liberty International Airport from 410 to 395 after planning 438 on peak days before the FAA waiver.
A government audit in June revealed that the FAA faces critical air traffic staffing shortages and "lacks a plan to address them." The audit also noted that New York Terminal Radar Approach Control (TRACON) staffing was at 54% compared to optimal levels, and that it had eight supervisors but was authorized for 30. Last summer, air traffic control staffing was a contributing factor in delays for 41,498 flights from New York airports. The FAA has stated that it plans to reassign approximately 100 square miles of Newark airspace from the area known as N90 to the Philadelphia Terminal Radar Approach Control to address staffing issues later this year. Airlines for America noted in Monday's letter that the Newark airspace has not been transferred since the March waiver, and staffing levels at N90 have not meaningfully improved.