Buttigieg: 'We're not out of the woods' on vacation journey prep

Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg mentioned Monday that journey infrastructure has improved because the nation noticed flight cancellation spikes and different strains this summer time however that there’s nonetheless extra to do to get the sector prepared for the looming vacation journey surge. 

“We’re undoubtedly in a a lot better place, by the numbers, than we had been this summer time … however I do suppose, as we prepare for Thanksgiving after which the winter vacation journey season, we’re not out of the woods but,” Buttigieg said on “NBC Nightly Information,” talking with host Lester Holt. 

“There’s a number of catching as much as do within the system as it really works its approach by way of a few of the profound disruptions that occurred through the pandemic. I believe we’re heading in the right direction, however there’s extra to do.”

The U.S. confronted vital transportation sector struggles as COVID-19 restrictions had been lifted and demand for airline journey began to stretch again towards pre-pandemic ranges, with tens of 1000’s of flights canceled and delayed this summer time.

In accordance with information from the Division of Transportation, round 1 / 4 of all flights throughout June, July and August had been canceled or delayed quarter-hour or extra. Round 8 p.c of flights had been delayed greater than an hour.

Buttigieg mentioned he’s urged airways to “make sure that their schedules are real looking” and work towards rising staffing and pay for pilots. 

“Early in the summertime, we noticed unacceptable ranges of cancellations and delays. Now, a part of that’s the results of demand returning, individuals shopping for tickets because the financial system got here again, and that’s excellent news, however the airways need to be prepared to fulfill that demand,” the Transportation secretary mentioned.