A United Airlines passenger plane lands at Newark Liberty International Airport in Newark, New Jersey on January 19, 2022.
Tayfun Coskun | Anadolu Agency | Getty Images
United Airlines will cut about 50 daily flights from Newark Liberty International Airport next month in an effort to reduce delays that have disrupted passenger plans this year.
The cuts account for about 12% of United’s schedule in central New Jersey and apply only to domestic flights, beginning July 1.
United executives have said the delays are the result of capacity constraints, airport construction and air traffic control, not the lack of airline staff.
Overall, the U.S. airline industry has struggled with a higher rate of flight cancellations and delays this year compared to 2019. Routine problems such as storms have caused severe delays for travelers and staff shortages. in some airlines it has hindered an increase in air travel this year. Airlines have also cut back on flights and destinations, citing a shortage of pilots.
Last week, Transport Secretary Pete Buttigieg urged airline CEOs to make sure they do not repeat a recent wave of disruptions during the July 4 holiday and the rest of the summer.
“After the last few weeks of irregular operations in Newark, caused by many factors, including the construction of the airport, we contacted the FAA and received an exemption that allowed us to temporarily adjust our schedule there during the rest of the summer, “said Jon Roitman, United’s director. the executive vice president and COO told staff in a note Thursday.
United said it is not currently ending service in any city, but will reduce the number of flights it operates to certain markets.
“While we have aircraft, pilots, crews and staff to support our Newark schedule, this exemption will allow us to eliminate about 50 daily departures that should help minimize excessive delays and improve punctual performance. not just for our customers, but for everyone who wants Newark, ”he wrote.
From the beginning of the year to mid-June, 31% of flights to Newark were delayed, the second worst rate in the country behind Chicago Midway, according to FlightAware flight tracking site.
Delta Air Lines, JetBlue Airways, Spirit Airlines, Southwest Airlines and Alaska Airlines are among the airlines that have also cut their schedules this year.