Holiday Weekend Travel Chaos: Airline Delays and Cancellations Reach Breaking Point

Delays and cancellations at U.S. airports are worsening ahead of the long July 4 holiday weekend, posing a significant challenge for airlines struggling to handle the surge in passenger numbers. Thunderstorms along the East Coast have been causing the most disruptions, with over 2,000 flights delayed and more than 700 canceled. The FAA temporarily grounded flights to major airports in the New York City area and the Washington D.C. region due to the weather. Additionally, the possibility of 5G wireless service interfering with airline operations in bad weather further complicates the situation. United Airlines and JetBlue have been particularly affected, with United canceling over 300 flights and JetBlue canceling 9% of its flights. Passengers have expressed frustration with the lack of customer service and assistance from airlines. The number of air travelers is expected to reach a pandemic-era record over the holiday weekend, with Thursday predicted to be the busiest day. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg has criticized airlines for their customer service and scheduling practices, while airlines have blamed FAA staffing shortages for the disruptions.