Staffing issues cause delays, frustration at all 3 major New York City-area airports
NEW YORK (WABC) -- Two-hour delays were possible at New York City-area airports Monday, due to staffing issues.
The delays at Newark, LaGuardia and John F. Kennedy airports were due to staffing issues at air traffic control centers, according to the Federation Aviation Administration.
As a result, they said they were reducing the flow of aircrafts around the city to maintain safety.
All night, a steady stream of fully loaded flights motored their way across the runway at LaGuardia Airport, to park and sit, while frustrations soared.
"I think the rules have changed about what an on-time departure means," delayed passenger Eduardo Hauser said. "I think now it's when you push out of the gate."
Hauser, who took a flight from Atlanta to LaGuardia, said it took about a half an hour before his flight could even get on line to take off.
When it comes to air travel, it's already been the summer from hell, with the industry struggling under the weight of passengers with pent up demand for travel in a system that's grossly understaffed post-COVID.
Airports blame the airlines, and the airlines blame the FAA.
"Maybe we'll start driving. Maybe that will be better. We'll see," said grounded passengers Janaiyia and Latrice.
After their Caribbean cruise, they thought it would be a good idea to fly from Miami to Indianapolis, by way of LaGuardia.
But they were wrong. By the time they arrived in New York, they had missed their connection.
Now they're stuck with little more than a hotel voucher and a flight that won't leave until Tuesday afternoon.
"I was supposed to work in the morning, like I have stuff to do, we have stuff to do, can't get home on time," Janaiyia Edwards said.
This is breaking news. This story will be updated as more information becomes available.
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