In addition to weather related cancellations and delays, Southwest Airlines has been forced to cancel or delay additional flights due to a spike in grounded aircraft. On Wednesday morning, Feb. 20, Southwest had cancelled nearly 300 flights but did not disclose which cancellations were due to weather and which were due to aircraft maintenance issues.
The airline has been in contract talks with the union representing its mechanics since 2012. After its most recent round of talks, the carrier says its grounded aircraft rate has doubled. The carrier issued an “operational state of emergency” in a letter to mechanics, declaring that mechanics who call in sick will be required to submit a doctor’s note. Southwest officials also said it will use third-party maintenance providers to help deal with the back log.
Travelers are advised to monitor airline flight status with regards to your specific itinerary.
Please contact your Adelman travel consultant for additional information.