In travel news for June 28, 2023 we have updates on the upcoming strikes at London Heathrow Airport, we talk about air traffic control staffing issues and the effect on travel, and we talk about this weeks east coast flight cancellations.
Strike Averted: Heathrow Airport Workers Accept Pay Rise, Ensuring a Smooth Summer for Travelers
The potential for disruption at London Heathrow Airport has been averted following the cancellation of 29 days of Strike action by security officers who accepted an improved pay offer. Over 2,000 workers, based at Terminal Three, Terminal Five, and campus security, were set to strike throughout the summer. The dispute was resolved after the trade union Unite secured a pay rise of between 15.5% and 17.5% for its members. The package also included improvements in maternity and paternity pay, the end of unpredictable deployment of workers between terminals, and a commitment to remove agency workers from security roles.
Navigating Turbulence: U.S. Air Traffic Control Faces Critical Staffing Challenges Amid Travel Surge
United States air traffic control facilities face significant staffing challenges, according to a recent government audit. The Federal Aviation Administration is under pressure to increase air traffic-control hiring, as 77% of critical facilities are staffed below the FAA's optimal threshold of 85%. The staffing crisis, compounded by the pandemic's impact on training, potentially threatens the continuity and safety of air traffic operations during a predicted surge in summer Air Travel. Efforts are being made to hire more air traffic controllers, but resolving the crisis could take years due to the lengthy training period for new controllers.
Air Travel Turbulence: Weather and Staff Shortages Disrupt Summer Travel Season
The summer travel season is facing disruptions due to recurring thunderstorms in the Northeast United States, coupled with systemic issues such as an air traffic controllers' shortage. This last Tuesday, 1,800 flights within, to, or from the U.S. were canceled and 4,000 flights delayed, with major effects in Newark, New Jersey and New York LaGuardia. United Airlines and JetBlue faced significant cancellations, while regional carrier Republic Airways had 30% of its flights canceled. United Airlines' CEO criticized the Federal Aviation Administration for failing to adequately deal with these issues, a sentiment echoed by other industry players. As the Fourth of July weekend approaches, airlines, government agencies, and travelers are bracing for further challenges. Amidst these disruptions, there's an urgent call for systemic solutions to weather disruptions and staff shortages.