Hapless airlines cut flights at a time demand is surging

Air fares have gone through the roof as the whole world wants to travel again post Covid lockdowns.

But major airlines have been caught short by the renewed demand - with some still cutting their schedules at a time when more people than ever want to fly.

American carrier Delta is the latest airline to trim its northern summer schedules, citing labour shortages and supply chain issues as the reason for its inability to run full schedules effectively.

To avoid potential disruption (and underline its incompetence) Delta will slash 100 flights a day during the summer, Travel Mole reports.

The cuts will last from July through to August 7.

The cuts will affect flights that Delta serves across the US and Latin America.

Weather, vendor staffing, increased Covid case rates are contributing to higher-than-planned unscheduled absences in some work groups,” Delta said in a statement.

"More than any time in our history, the various factors currently impacting our operation - weather and air traffic control, vendor staffing, increased Covid case rates contributing to higher-than-planned unscheduled absences in some work groups - are resulting in an operation that isn't consistently up to the standards Delta as set for the industry in recent years," Chief Customer Experience Officer Allison Ausband said.

High demand for flights has seen average fare prices surge, but the airlines can't get their acts together.

Other carriers - including JetBlue and Alaska Airlines - have cut schedules to minimise operational issues. Shareholders - and potential customers - should have serious questions.