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Travel Hacks: What’s Causing America’s Air Traffic Chaos

And Why There’s No Quick Fix

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What’s Causing America’s Air Traffic Chaos, and Why There’s No Quick Fix

I’ve never had travel anxiety or a fear of flying. But this year was the first time I felt a little apprehensive boarding flights, not just because my mom now insists I make a will before each one, but because 2025 has been filled with headlines about how the US air traffic control system is struggling to keep up with the post-COVID travel boom.

Former United Airlines CEO Oscar Munoz recently weighed in during an interview with CNBC, offering a frank and sometimes sobering look at what’s really going on. He explained why delays, cancellations, and system breakdowns are becoming more common — and why travelers probably shouldn’t expect quick fixes anytime soon.

Here’s a closer look at what’s behind the growing pressure on air traffic controllers.

Travel well,

Kelsey Wilking

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