Sign in Subscribe
Cable News Network

Summer Travel in the US: Experts Warn of Disruptions Due to Staffing Shortages and Air Traffic Control Issues

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

As the summer travel season begins, experts are warning that US air travelers can expect disruptions due to staffing shortages and air traffic control issues. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is expecting record-high travel over Memorial Day weekend and its busiest summer in 15 years, with the peak at the end of July. Despite plans to address these issues, understaffing and infrastructure breakdowns could complicate operations, leading to potential disruptions.

Key Takeaways:

  • The FAA is expecting record-high travel over Memorial Day weekend and its busiest summer in 15 years, with the peak at the end of July.
  • Staffing shortages and air traffic control issues could lead to potential disruptions for air travelers.
  • United Airlines expects to fly nearly 50 million passengers in June, July, and August, a 3 million passenger uptick from last year's summer.
  • The busiest US air travel day this year was April 17 with over 54,000 flights, according to the FAA.
  • Experts recommend flying direct, in the morning, and avoiding the weekend to minimize stress and disruptions.
  • Hayley Berg, lead economist at Hopper, warns that disruption rates are generally down for May compared to previous years, but specific airports have had a bad month.
  • Newark Liberty International Airport has dealt with four separate technology outages since April 28, and staffing is stretched thin.
  • Les Abend, a retired American Airlines Boeing 777 captain, says the problems plaguing Newark could "start leaking out of other facilities," and that the US already has next-generation air traffic control capabilities.
  • Tomasz Pawliszyn, CEO of AirHelp, an online service that helps travelers seek compensation when plans are disrupted, believes many passengers have changed their attitudes towards Newark Airport due to media attention.
  • Despite economic worries, domestic airfare is down about 3% from the same time last year, according to Hopper's 2025 summer travel outlook.
  • A recent survey from Bankrate shows 54% of adults expect to spend less on travel, eating out, or entertainment this year compared to last year.

Statistics:

  • The FAA expects six more days of over 54,000 flights through the end of August.
  • United Airlines expects to fly nearly 50 million passengers in June, July, and August, a 3 million passenger uptick from last year's summer.
  • Domestic airfare is down about 3% from the same time last year, according to Hopper's 2025 summer travel outlook.
  • 54% of adults expect to spend less on travel, eating out, or entertainment this year compared to last year, according to a recent survey from Bankrate.
  • 65% of Americans who are not traveling this summer say they can't afford it, and 23% say they're not interested.

Sources:

  • CNN
  • Hopper
  • Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)
  • United Airlines
  • Bankrate
  • AirHelp

Read more