A consortium representing major passenger airlines has called on US transportation authorities to intensify efforts in addressing flight delays and cancellations during the holiday season.

Airlines for America, representing carriers such as American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, and Southwest Airlines, has urged Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg and FAA Chief Michael Whitaker to “take all possible actions” to balance commercial and private aviation traffic and minimise disruptions for travellers.

The group, in a letter, also stressed upon the need to prevent additional staffing challenges, particularly in high-traffic air control centres. The FAA responded, noting that various stakeholders, including airlines, have representation in the Command Center, where airspace is monitored around the clock. 

The FAA acknowledged ongoing efforts to recruit, train, and hire more air traffic controllers but revealed a current shortfall of around 3,000 controllers from optimal levels.

Preliminary data from December 20-27 indicated that 77 per cent of delays were due to volume, 19.1 per cent to weather, and 0.9 per cent to FAA staffing issues. 

Buttigieg recently highlighted a downward trend in flight cancellations, aiming for the lowest figures in five years. Both Buttigieg and Whitaker have prioritised enhancing air traffic control staffing.

In September, the FAA extended cuts to minimum flight requirements at congested New York City-area airports due to staffing shortages, citing staffing levels at just 54 per cent of recommendations for the New York Terminal Radar Approach Control. 

A government watchdog report highlighted staffing challenges at critical air traffic facilities, with controllers working mandatory overtime to cover shortages. 

Last week, Whitaker announced a panel, led by a former safety board official, to address air traffic controller fatigue following near-miss incidents.

(With Reuters Inputs)