United Airlines Joins Delta Citing Air Traffic Control for Delays

More U.S. airlines are placing blame on the Federal Aviation Administration for the flight disruptions that are plaguing the industry this summer. On Tuesday, United Airlines Chief Operating Officer Jon Roitman called out the regulator, saying: "There are just more flights scheduled industrywide than the ATC staffing system can handle (particularly in [New York] and [Florida])."

"Until that is resolved, we expect the U.S. aviation system will remain challenged this summer and beyond," Roitman continued. "We’re eager to do our part and will continue to stay in touch with the federal government on possible solutions that will positively impact customers."

Delta Air Lines CEO Ed Bastian, in an employee town hall on June 29, made similar comments about air traffic control staffing, calling the organization the "most stressed" among aviation industry stakeholders. Those stakeholders also include airlines themselves, airports, and the Transportation Security Administration.

Roitman's comments are the latest in a war of words between the Department of Transportation, which includes the FAA, and airlines over flight disruptions this summer. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg has denied that air traffic control staffing is an issue and pointed the finger at airlines, while the industry has said that their issues are compounded by the air traffic control issues.

Either way, travelers can likely expect further travel delays and disruptions when they fly this summer.