Flight cancellations have become a major frustration for travellers this year. Wherever you are travelling to, the chances of your flight being delayed or cancelled seem higher than ever. But why is this happening? Let’s take a look at some of the reasons behind this increasing trend and what it means for passengers.
One of the biggest reasons behind the spike in flight cancellations is a shortage of airline staff. The aviation industry is still recovering from the massive layoffs and early retirements that occurred during the pandemic. Many pilots, flight attendants, ground crew, and air traffic controllers left the industry, and some airlines are still struggling to replace them.
Training new pilots and staff takes time, often several months to a year. This means that even as airlines attempt to hire more people, the industry is still short-handed. When there are not enough pilots available, flights get delayed or cancelled, leaving passengers stranded.
After years of restrictions, people are eager to travel again. Airlines underestimated the surge in demand for flights, leading to overbooked schedules that they simply could not keep up with. When airlines don’t have enough planes, crew, or resources to meet this demand, passengers may experience flight delays and cancellations, often at the last minute.
This issue worsens during peak seasons, such as summer and other holiday periods, when airlines stretch their limits, making cancellations even more frequent.
Climate change has made weather more unpredictable, resulting in an increase in storms, heatwaves, and other extreme conditions that disrupt flights. Strong storms, hurricanes, and heat-related aircraft performance issues have forced airlines to ground planes more often than before. For example, extreme heat can affect an aircraft's ability to take off, leading to unexpected cancellations, especially in places experiencing very high temperatures.
In some cases, flight cancellations are due to regulatory measures. Airlines must comply with safety inspections, and if a particular aircraft model faces safety concerns, entire fleets can be grounded.
For instance, if a specific type of aircraft is found to have a mechanical issue, airlines may cancel flights until repairs are made. These precautionary measures are necessary but add to the growing list of cancellations.
Some airlines are struggling with different issues, most of which won't just go away overnight, so travellers need to be prepared. Staying flexible with travel dates and having a backup plan in case your flight gets cancelled can go a long way. Airlines are working to fix their problems, but for now, passengers should stay informed, be patient and take various steps to help them avoid unnecessary stress in case the unexpected happens.
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