Multiple flights headed to LaGuardia International Airport, Newark Liberty International Airport, and Philadelphia International Airport have faced delays due to the smoke from Canadian wildfires that have affected visibility around these airports, according to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). In response, the FAA has put measures in place to manage the flow of traffic into the New York City area and announced that it would slow traffic from the East Coast and Midwest for flights heading to Philadelphia.
Increase in Airport Delays
These delays are part of a growing frequency of airport delays and cancellations in recent years. According to an analysis by The Wall Street Journal, approximately 20% of all flights experienced delays in the first five months of 2021, up from 17% during the same period in 2019. Extreme weather conditions, including heavy snowfall, thunderstorms, and wildfires, have led to airport closures and subsequent flight disruptions. The current wildfires, ignited by dry weather and lightning, have burned millions of acres of land in Canada, causing canceled flights in various airports in the country.
Earlier this year, intense winter storms caused delays and cancellations at major airports in the United States, including Dallas, Houston, and Chicago. According to the FAA, weather is the single most significant cause of flight delays, accounting for around 75% of all chronic flight delays. Another significant factor in flight disruptions includes labor shortages in the aviation industry. The COVID-19 pandemic has led to airlines furloughing or letting go of employees, which resulted in a reduced workforce. As travel demand rebounds, carriers face difficulties in ramping up their operations due to the staffing crisis.
Effect of Delays on Flights and Customers
The FAA data revealed that departures to La Guardia faced an average delay of nearly two hours, with flights taking off from LaGuardia delayed by an average time of 30 minutes. Flights coming into Newark underwent an average delay of 82 minutes, and flights bound for Philadelphia experienced roughly 30-minute delays. The FAA said it would adjust traffic volumes to account for rapidly changing visibility conditions.
FlightAware data reported 248 delays and 13 cancellations at LaGuardia, 162 delays and 31 cancellations at Newark, and 73 delays and six cancellations at JFK International Airport. The surge in delays and cancellations has led to an influx of customer complaints on social media platforms.
Expert Insights and Recommendations
Industry experts speculate that the rise in flight delays and cancellations may indicate the fragility of the current aviation system. Any disruption or delay in the system can have a cascading effect on other flights, as airlines operate on tight schedules with limited turnaround time between arrivals and departures.
Eric Sims, an aviation industry expert, suggests that airlines need to invest in new technology to improve their operational capabilities, enhance customer communication, and develop better contingency plans. He also advised that passengers book flights during less congested hours, avoid connecting flights in cities prone to severe weather disruptions, and consider investing in travel insurance for unforeseen flight disruptions.
Conclusion
In conclusion, flight delays and cancellations are becoming increasingly common due to several factors, including extreme weather events, labor shortages in the aviation industry, and the interconnected nature of the current aviation system. As travel demand rises, it is critical for the industry to invest in improved operational capabilities to minimize the impact of disruptions and maintain customer satisfaction.
