HEBRON, Ky. — Karla Medel had about two hours to kill at Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport before her plane was scheduled to depart for Detroit.
What You Need To Know
- More and more flights have been delayed and canceled across the country lately
- One explanation could be a shortage of pilots
- Pilot unions have publicly stated airlines haven’t adequately replaced pilots who retired during the pandemic
- One passenger at CVG said she recently had an eight-hour delay
A solid wait, but it was nothing compared to a recent delay she experienced.
“Last week I did have one that lasted almost eight hours. That was crazy. But you know, I was just reading. But it was bad,” she said.
Both that flight and the one she was waiting for on Tuesday were with Delta Airlines, an airline that, like others at airports across the country, has been forced to delay and even cancel many flights this summer, creating frustration for passengers.
That frustration has been even more so for frequent flyers like Medel, who has to travel for her job as a quality auditor.
“The client is expecting to undertake the audit on a certain day, and I’m not there. I can’t do anything. It’s not in my control. But from a business standpoint, that’s bad,” Medel said.
Airlines began canceling hundreds of flights last Thursday in response to storms across the country, stranding thousands of customers. Severe weather aside, airlines are struggling with pilot shortages.
Pilot unions have publicly stated airlines haven’t adequately replaced pilots who retired during the pandemic. Delta pilots wrote an open letter to passengers, saying they’ve been flying record amounts of overtime. The letter continues:
“We empathize and share in your frustration over the delays, cancellations, and disrupted travel plans you’ve experienced. We agree; it is unacceptable.
As we welcome you aboard, we will continue to go above and beyond to ensure the integrity of the operation. Delta’s management needs to do the same before you lose confidence in the Delta brand.”
Medel gave her take on the pilots’ response.
“From a customer service standpoint, that’s good, because they feel for the uncertainty or discomfort. That’s thoughtful, but it still is an issue. The shortage, that’s bad,” she said.
An official with CVG said travel demand is increasing while flight routes, staffing, equipment and availability haven’t quite returned to pre-pandemic levels. The official said the airport sees on average about two to four delays/cancellations each day.
Medel sat silently, hoping she would not be one of them — again.
“Yeah, I need to get to Michigan,” she said, laughing.
Delta Airlines said Friday it has reduced cancellations by hiring more pilots and flight attendants, and by scheduling crews to quickly adjust to disruptions.
