Delta & Southwest Airlines Cancel Nearly 1,000 Combined Flights To Comply With FAA Directive

Two of America’s biggest carriers have cancelled almost 1,000 flights combined, as the airlines follow the directive set out by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Last week, the FAA took the unprecedented step to request all major carriers to shave 10% of their scheduled operations at 40 of the busiest airports around the country. This led to many airlines scrambling to reduce services and increased levels of travel anxiety among passengers.

The order was implemented due to the ongoing Federal Government shutdown, which has seen a reduction in Air Traffic Controllers and TSA employees showing up for work out of sheer frustration of being expected to work without pay, being requested to work overtime hours, and needing to find alternative temporary jobs to put food on the table.

Nearly 500 Delta Flights Cancelled

While not affecting international travel, Delta Air Lines commented that the order has led to almost 500 domestic flights with the SkyTeam carrier being cancelled. These were 280 mainline services and 215 Delta Connection flights through November 12 (Wednesday). Additional delays to existing services could be expected as Air Traffic Control constraints continue to plague the National Airspace System. The FAA has requested that airlines take a stepped approach to reducing flights, with them starting at 4% from November 7 and rising to 10% by the end of this week.

Delta has provided additional flexibility for travelers who are booked to travel during the shutdown period, allowing affected markets to change, cancel, or refund their flights. This waiver includes those booked on the highly restricted Delta Main Basic fares. If changing to a different flight on or before November 21, the fare difference may also be waived. You can manage your booking via the Delta website or on the Fly Delta app. Delta shared the following statement as per USA Today:

“Additional delays and cancels may be necessary as Air Traffic Control constraints continue in the National Airspace System, we manage typical seasonal weather impacts and continue working to recover the operation,”

400 Flights Cancelled For Southwest

The world’s largest low-cost carrier, Southwest Airlines, has also felt the punch of 400 flights being cancelled this week following the FAA order. The Dallas-based airline has reduced its schedule across 34 of the total 117 airports the airline serves – cutting around 400 flights in total. The airline noted that it has axed around 140 flights for Monday, November 10, 155 for Tuesday, November 11, and a further 145 for Wednesday, November 12. Southwest has not specified specifically which airports will be affected.

Like many other major airlines, Southwest has added additional flexibility for passengers through this period, allowing passengers to change their itinerary at no cost or apply for a full refund. This includes itineraries that do not have any current interruptions. Southwest has made clear that it believes that the ‘vast majority’ of passengers will not be affected by the FAA directive.

Currently, internationally operated flights by Southwest Airlines are not affected by the directive.

A $10,000 Bonus

President Donald Trump has pressured air traffic controllers to get back to work after the FAA requested that thousands of flights be cancelled. Trump took to social media, noting that he would consider a $10,000 bonus to controllers who remained on the job every day, and planned to dock those who didn’t show up to work. However, many critics and controllers’ unions have said they are tired of being used as a political pawn. What has made this ordeal even harder to swallow is that the 10% reduction in domestic air travel directive was completely avoidable.

On Monday, the Senate took the first step towards opening the federal government; however, the final passage may still take several days. It is expected that flight cuts will remain in effect until safety metrics improve. This will see thousands of flights continue to be cancelled, and more passengers scrambling to rebook alternative travel plans.

Other major carriers, such as American Airlines, United, Spirit, Frontier, Breeze, and JetBlue, among other US airlines, have also seen a reduction in their scheduled services across the next few weeks as they also comply with the FAA directive. North of the border, Air Canada and WestJet have reminded their passengers that the FAA directive does not apply to international flights, but passengers should be prepared for delays to their travel plans.