American Airlines has canceled more than 1,600 flights in three days, according to the flight-tracking website FlightAware.
In an internal message to its employees, which was seen by CNBC, the company cited a lack of available crew, particularly flight attendants, and “high wind gusts“ at its Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport hub as the reasons behind the cancellations.
“To make sure we are taking care of our customers and providing scheduling certainty for our crews, we have adjusted our operation for the last few days this month by proactively canceling some flights,” David Seymour, the airline’s chief operating officer, said in a staff note. “With additional weather throughout the system, our staffing begins to run tight as crew members end up out of their regular flight sequences.”
Disgruntled passengers took to social media to express their shock and advise others not to opt for the company in the future, saying it is prioritizing foreign travelers over Americans.
They also complained of meager compensation and terrible customer phone lines.
The cancellations have triggered concerns about whether major US airlines are prepared for the upcoming holiday season.