American Airlines said Monday it might have to add stops to certain flights because of fuel delivery delays at some midsize airports and asked pilots to conserve when possible, amid a surge in summer travel.
The carrier said other airlines have also experienced delays due to a lack of truck drivers, trucks and fuel supply.
“American Airlines station jet fuel delivery delays initially affected mostly western U.S. cities, but are now being reported at American stations across the country. Delivery delays are expected to continue through mid-August,” John Dudley, managing director of flight operations, told pilots in a memo, according to a report by CNBC.
The airline said flights will carry additional fuel into airports affected by shortages, a procedure known as tankering or add fueling stops.
“As our country continues to face multiple challenges, let’s work together as a team to operate reliably, safely and as efficiently as possible,” Dudley wrote.
American said that the flight disruptions because of fuel supply shortages have so far been “minimal” and that it hasn’t had to cancel any flights as a result of them.
