Congestion Still A Problem

Air traffic congestion is building again, but it will be two years before U.S. skies are as crowded as they were before the 2001 hijack attacks, a senior government transportation official said on Wednesday. FAA Administrator Marion Blakey told a congressional hearing that congestion was not uniform but air capacity gaps are starting to shrink noticeably around traditionally busy cities. Recent Transportation Department and industry figures showed on-time performance by major U.S. airlines continues to slide with delays becoming more prevalent at some airports. Chicago is currently the worst for air traffic congestion. While airlines are not carrying nearly as many passengers as they were before Sept. 11, they are gradually replenishing their schedul