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