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In the aftermath of the pandemic and overly restrictive coronavirus-related policies, the airline industry is experiencing a massive shortage in pilots.
American Airlines, which is based in Texas, has confirmed that they are ending service in three major cities this fall as a result of the shortage.
The airline will no longer continue service in Islip and Ithaca, New York, as well as in Toledo, Ohio.
In a statement, American Airlines said, “We’re extremely grateful for the care and service our team members provided to our customers in Islip, Ithaca and Toledo, and are working closely with them during this time.”
“We’re extremely grateful for the care and service our team members provided to our customers in Islip, Ithaca and Toledo, and are working closely with them during this time.”
JetBlue was forced to reduce flights throughout the summer due to issues.
United Airlines announced a training program for roughly 5,000 new pilots by 2030, but this is only half of its plan to fulfill 10,000 new pilots required to combat the shortage.
More on this story via Fox News:
The “difficult” decision to cut service comes as major airlines grapple with a shortage of pilots at a time when demand for travel is booming.
American Airlines flight attendants arrive for work at O’Hare International in Chicago. (Scott Olson / Getty Images)
FOX Business reported earlier this month that the airline industry is short 12,000 pilots, and that the majority of airports across the nation, approximately 303, are already offering fewer flights.
In fact, “there were 188 communities that lost at least 25% of their air service, either during the pandemic or during the first half of 2022 as the pilot shortage worsened,” the Regional Airline Association (RAA) previously reported.
Last month, Alaska Airlines CEO Ben Minicucci said the carrier will have daily cancelations through June 1 due to the pilot shortage.
Airlines, staffing, pilots shortage
Miami International Airport, American Airlines, curbside luggage check-in. (Jeffrey Greenberg/Universal Images Group via / Getty Images)The carrier had been having operational challenges since April due to not having enough pilots to fly its spring schedule, Minicucci said in a note to customers last month.
