U.S. FAA cuts airlines' minimum flight requirements at NY, Washington airports
WASHINGTON, March 22 (Reuters) - The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) said Wednesday it will temporarily cut minimum flight requirements for airlines at congested New York City-area airports and Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport to address summer congestion issues, citing air traffic controller staffing issues.
The FAA agreed to the request of Delta Air Lines and United Airlines to temporarily return up to 10% slots and flights at New York airports and National with the condition they not be backfilled by other carriers.
The FAA said the decision will give airlines "the ability to reduce operations during the peak summer travel period, which are likely to be exacerbated by the effects of Air Traffic Controller staffing shortfalls." (Reporting by David Shepardson; Editing by Leslie Adler)
