American Airlines Has Cancelled More Than 2,000 Flights Since Friday Bad weather on Thursday started a domino chain of cancellations for the airline.

By Chloe Arrojado

entrepreneur daily

Since Friday, thousands of American Airlines passengers have had to change plans as the airline has canceled more than 2,000 flights. The airline canceled 1,700 flights over the weekend and another 300 flights on Monday. The problems peaked on Sunday, when it canceled more than 1,000 flights — totaling over a third of its scheduled flights for the day.

American Airlines wrote in a staff letter on Saturday that these cancellations were because of high wind gusts on Thursday, which limited capacity at its Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport hub. This prevented some crew members from being in position for their next flights.

"This weather drove a large number of cancellations at DFW (Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport), as we could only use two runways instead of the usual five that handle our operation," the letter says. "With additional weather throughout the system, our staffing begins to run tight as crew members end up out of the regular flight sequences."

Related: American Airlines Flight Diverted After Passenger Punches Flight Attendant in Face: 'This Behavior Must Stop'

American Airlines COO David Seymour says he expects operations to get back to normal in November, and says most customers were rebooked on flights the same day.

With travel increasing over the past few months as people get vaccinated, small operational issues and a lean staff can throw off thousands of flights as airlines struggle to meet demand. Earlier this summer, American Airlines canceled hundreds of flights because of similar issues. It's also far from being the only airline with problems that are amplified by short staffing, as Southwest also made headlines in October after canceling more than 1,800 flights.

Related: Passengers Furious After Southwest Airlines Leaves Thousands Stranded: 'I Just Want to Go Home'

Chloe Arrojado

Entrepreneur Staff

Editorial Assistant

Want to be an Entrepreneur Leadership Network contributor? Apply now to join.

Editor's Pick

Side Hustle

This Gen Zer's Stylish Side Hustle Earns About $20,000 a Month and Paid Off His Parents' $200,000 Debt: 'I Enjoy the Hands-Off Nature'

Ray Cao went from working as a barista for $8 an hour to being a successful seller on online marketplace StockX.

Business News

Make $177,566 With No Experience in 3 Months: A Popular Online 'Side Hustle' Course Is Under Investigation After Customers Complain About Its Deceptive Claims

"All you need is a phone, a laptop, wi-fi and one to three hours a day," one affiliate marketer said in a video posted to social media.

Productivity

6 Habits That Help Successful People Maximize Their Time

There aren't enough hours in the day, but these tips will make them feel slightly more productive.

Business News

'A Lobstrosity': Social Media Is Losing It Over Martha Stewart's Latest Meal Posting

The 82-year-old caused quite a stir on Instagram this week.

Business Ideas

63 Small Business Ideas to Start in 2024

We put together a list of the best, most profitable small business ideas for entrepreneurs to pursue in 2024.

Business News

This Retailer Is the Latest to Remove a Major Feature From Its Stores Due to Rising Theft

Five Below CEO Joel Anderson addressed the company's plans to combat theft in an earnings call earlier this week.