By Nathalie Voit
American Airlines will trim 2% of its flight schedule in September and October amid ongoing staffing struggles, according to a statement issued by the company.
“American has taken steps to size our airline for the resources we have available and to build additional buffer into the remainder of our summer schedule,” AA representative Brian Metham said in a statement, according to The Philadelphia Inquirer.
“Last month, American took proactive steps to add resiliency into our schedule by reducing overall September system capacity by approximately 2%. These adjustments were made in markets with multiple frequencies—with the goal of moving customers to different flights.”
The Philadelphia Business Journal first reported the cancellations on Aug. 3.
According to the local news source, more than 1,800 American Airlines domestic flights will be cut at Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) in the fall. The number is equivalent to roughly 3% of the airline’s September flight schedule for the city, or about seven flights a day, and 5% of its October flights, or about 13 flights a day.
PHL is the airline’s primary Northeast hub.
American said it would reach out to impacted customers so they could arrange new travel plans. Customers who decline to travel under the alternative routing may be eligible for a refund.
On Aug. 3, the Department of Transportation proposed new consumer protection rules to make it easier for passengers to get airline ticket refunds.
The news comes as U.S. air carriers cancel flights at a record pace–despite heightened demand for air travel.
