After thousands of flight cancellations and delays this year, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced Wednesday that it will “immediately” enhance manpower at a major air traffic control centre in Florida to accommodate airlines’ growing numbers of flights to the Sunshine State.
“Because representatives said Florida operations will continue increasing past 2019 levels, the FAA will immediately increase the number of authorized staff at Jacksonville Center and evaluate other Florida facilities,” the agency said in a statement.
This week, the FAA convened a two-day meeting with airlines and private aviation sector representatives to examine solutions to Florida’s air traffic congestion.
Air traffic control staffing shortages, according to executives from JetBlue Airways, Frontier Airlines, and Southwest Airlines, are to blame for recent delays to and from the state.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has stated that there will be no limit on the number of flights serving Florida.
Thousands of flights were delayed or cancelled last month due to more frequent thunderstorms in Florida, along with increased travel demand and lower airline staffing levels than needed.
Flights to Florida are expected to exceed pre-pandemic levels this year, indicating sustained high demand in the state.
A growing frequency of space launches and military exercises have also posed challenges in the state.
The government stated that it will provide airlines with greater information about such situations, which frequently result in airspace closures. To keep traffic going, the FAA said it will assist airlines in developing alternate altitudes, such as flying under weather systems.
“The agency will also work with stakeholders to develop a playbook to keep aircraft moving safely when weather, space launches or other events constrain capacity,” the FAA said. “The FAA will increase the ability for airlines to keep aircraft moving during these events by using alternate routes and altitudes when possible.”
The FAA has stated that it intends to engage with airlines over the summer in order to improve operations. Over the last year, airlines have increased the number of flights to Florida. According to state data, Florida received roughly 118 million domestic tourists last year, a new high.
According to FAA data, Miami service is up 113 percent, Tampa service is up 107 percent, and West Palm Beach service is up 132 percent from the year before the Covid epidemic.
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