Wednesday 29 June 2022 11:21 PM More than 500 flights across US are canceled as critics blame 'pilot shortage' ... trends now

Wednesday 29 June 2022 11:21 PM More than 500 flights across US are canceled as critics blame 'pilot shortage' ... trends now
Wednesday 29 June 2022 11:21 PM More than 500 flights across US are canceled as critics blame 'pilot shortage' ... trends now

Wednesday 29 June 2022 11:21 PM More than 500 flights across US are canceled as critics blame 'pilot shortage' ... trends now

As Americans prepare for a patriotic Fourth of July weekend, they can expect airline delays and cancelations as critics blame the pilot shortage on vaccine mandates as travel chaos continues for the second week in a row.

More than 500 flights have already been canceled and more than 2,000 delayed in the US on Wednesday, with New Jersey's Newark Liberty topping the American list with 45 flights canceled. 

A total of 1,800 flights have been canceled so far this week in the US, according to the Hill, and between June 16 and 20, there were more than 5,300 flights canceled, according to CBS News

The mess has now extended to Canada, with Toronto Pearson International Airport canceling 48 flights on Wednesday. 

A behind-the-scenes video, obtained by ABC News, shows hundreds of passengers' bags backed up on a large stationary conveyor belt and in neat rows on the floor. 

A spokesperson for the airport told ABC News that flight delays and cancelations were from staff shortages and a 'temporary mechanical disruption' that led to the baggage backlog. 

More than 500 flights have already been canceled and more than 2,000 delayed in the US on Wednesday as passengers gear up for a stressful travel weekend

More than 500 flights have already been canceled and more than 2,000 delayed in the US on Wednesday as passengers gear up for a stressful travel weekend 

Passengers wait in long lines at the Atlanta airport

Passengers wait in long lines at the Atlanta airport

Delta has already reduced its flight schedule, alongside Southwest. Delta Airlines revealed it staff has been working more overtime than it did combined in 2018 and 2019, pre-pandemic, and said it expects 'operational challenges' this weekend

Delta has already reduced its flight schedule, alongside Southwest. Delta Airlines revealed it staff has been working more overtime than it did combined in 2018 and 2019, pre-pandemic, and said it expects 'operational challenges' this weekend 

US airlines are struggling to keep up with demand, which is higher than last year, due to staffing shortages and weather-related issues. Airlines are also blaming the FAA for not having an adequate summer travel plan in place to help with the pitfalls the industry is currently facing. 

However, the "Bill O'Reilly Show discovered that airlines have received more than double the amount of pilot applications than they did in 2020. Eight thousand new pilots have been certified, according to O'Reilly. 

'They're lying, they're lying,' he said. 'They're just so disorganized across the board.'

In addition, the Biden Administration is blaming the airlines, saying it received billions in stimulus money to keep afloat during the pandemic and should stick the schedule it publishes. 

Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg said earlier this month that airlines had until July 4 to figure out the issues and work out the kinks so travelers can have a smooth summer holiday. 

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