More than 9,000 U.S. flights have been canceled so far in 2022, with the majority of those cancellations happening in the last two weeks of December, according to data from FlightAware. This is a higher number than in any other month of the year, and it's a trend that's expected to continue in the coming weeks.
The cancellations are largely due to a combination of factors, including staffing shortages, inclement weather, and the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Many airlines have struggled to recover from the pandemic, and the current surge in cases is exacerbating the issue.
"We're doing everything we can to get back to normal, but it's a challenging time," said a spokesperson for American Airlines. "We're working hard to get our customers where they need to go, but it's not easy."
Other airlines, such as Delta and United, have also been canceling flights in recent days. Delta has canceled over 1,000 flights in the past week, while United has canceled over 500.
Passengers are advised to check with their airlines for the latest information on flight schedules and cancellations. Those who have had their flights canceled may be eligible for compensation, depending on the airline's policies.
As the airline industry struggles to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic, a surge in cases is leading to a record number of flight cancellations. With over 9,000 U.S. flights canceled in 2022 alone, passengers are advised to check with their airlines for the latest information and to be prepared for potential delays or cancellations.