Record-Breaking Air Travel Day Causes Chaos at US Airports
3 July 2023
Updated 7 hours ago
Image source: Getty Images
Travel chaos has engulfed US airports on the eve of Independence Day, as more than 100 million Americans are under extreme weather warnings. The situation has led to over 3,000 flight delays or cancellations within, into, or out of the US, according to FlightAware.
Sunday witnessed the highest number of passengers at US airports ever recorded, as revealed by the data from the Transportation Security Administration. Meanwhile, a combination of storms in the eastern US and a persistent heatwave in the south and west continue to exacerbate the situation.
Among the airlines, United Airlines has been hit the hardest, with over 300 flights postponed, as reported by FlightAware. Over the past week, United Airlines experienced more than 5,000 delays and cancellations, surpassing any other US airline. In a letter to employees, CEO Scott Kirby explained that thunderstorms at the airline’s largest hub in Newark, New Jersey, had created an “extended limited operating environment.” He described the situation as one of the most operationally challenging weeks in his career.
In response to the chaos, United Airlines announced that it would compensate the most affected customers with 30,000 frequent flyer miles, which Time Magazine estimates to be worth $360 (£283). This decision came after Kirby faced criticism for chartering a private jet amid the disruptions.
Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg attributed the chaotic travel conditions to severe weather conditions, which he said “put enormous pressure on the system.” He revealed that the Federal Aviation Administration plans to hire 1,500 new air traffic controllers this year and an additional 1,800 next year.
Before the Fourth of July long weekend, there were concerns among industry officials that the new 5G rollout around airports could interfere with aircraft technology. However, a spokesperson from the Department of Transportation assured CBS News that there were no major flight disruptions related to the matter.
Thunderstorms, including some with large hail, were forecasted for Monday across the eastern US, from Mississippi to Massachusetts, as well as in states further north such as Montana and Minnesota. Additionally, the heatwave in the US south is expected to persist, with record-breaking temperatures projected to shift up the west coast into California and Oregon.
Over 150,000 residents in the US Midwest remain without power after storms over the weekend, with Missouri accounting for over 40,000 of those affected.