FAA says staffing shortage at JFK, LaGuardia and Newark Liberty airports has been resolved
NEWARK, N.J. - The FAA says a staffing problem that caused delays and cancellations Monday night at JFK, LaGuardia, and Newark Airports has been resolved.
The agency says it was forced to reduce flights to "maintain safety."
As CBS2's Elijah Westbrook reports, Terminal B at Newark shaped up to look more of what you'd want to see before taking to the skies Tuesday: Minimal delays and cancellations throughout the early part of the day.
It was a pleasant experience for the James family, who are heading to Jamaica for an end-of-summer vacation.
"So far everything is on time," Stella James said. "Smooth sailing so far."
But there's a slight concern for them as they check-in regarding their flight possibly being delayed or canceled after Monday night's mayhem.
"It would concern me if I was having delays, but since my flight isn't delayed, hopefully we'll have the same experience returning," James said.
As Westbrook around the terminal, he couldn't help but notice the overwhelming number of people he spoke with who said their flight was departing on time.
"Last night I checked in and it seemed to be on time. So let us hope, keep our fingers crossed, that today will be a good day," said Elizabeth, N.J. resident Latoya Samson.
"No problems. This were OK when we came into town last week. Hopefully today will be the same," said Amy Benge of Cincinnati. "He startes school tomorrow, so I'm hoping we make it home today."
Big difference from the more than 8,000 flights across the U.S. that were delayed on Sunday, according FlightAware. Experts say a shortage of pilots, ground workers and air traffic controllers is what's fueling the problem.
"Airlines continue to be understaffed, they continue to be overscheduled. Even though the Department of Transportation says things are getting better, the numbers don't show that," said CBS News Travel Editor Peter Greenberg.
Last week, the Department of Transportation proposed new protection for flyers, including full refunds for canceled flights. Transportation advocates are also calling on the government to hold airlines accountable for scheduling more flights than runways can bear an hour.
"I really think it would help and it would make me feel more secure traveling," one person said.
"It would put more ownership on the airline to do something about it," said another.
Experts say always get to the airport a couple of hours ahead of your scheduled flight, and have a backup plan.