Travelers line up at a security checkpoint at Denver International Airport ahead of the Memorial Day holiday on May 26, 2023, in Denver., focusing his ire on the Federal Aviation Administration after thunderstorms were deemed the cause of the cancellation of thousands of U.S. flights on Sunday, Monday and Tuesday. While Kirby blamed airport staffing issues, the FAA said staffing limitations did not play a role in this instance.
More than 20% of flights are arriving late, on average, and currently, 1% to 2% of flights are being canceled. While the TSA has stepped up efforts to hire more security officers, filling staffing shortages takes time. Theinvolves background and credit checks, computer-based testing, training and a physical examination. With the job market still favoring candidates over employers, there simply are more vacancies than qualified people to fill them. The TSA has lost thousands of employees due to retirements, attrition and departures to higher-paying jobs elsewhere.