SkyWest Airlines is currently the largest regional airline in the United States. Following an order from the federal aviation administration (FAA), it’s temporarily grounded all of its flights. This unprecedented move affects thousands of passengers who rely on SkyWest for service under several major carriers, including United Airlines, Delta Air Lines, American Airlines, and Alaska Airlines.
The suspension of operations decision took effect immediately, grounding their fleet and affecting domestic and transcontinental/major regional routes. Provided by SkyWest SkyWest is extremely important for connecting smaller regional airports into the larger city hubs. This suspension is particularly vital for travelers attempting to get between various key destination– big and tiny — across the country.
SkyWest Airlines is vital to the U.S. commercial aviation ecosystem. It is a key regional hub to big airlines’ golden geese. This is critical for making sure passengers can connect smoothly to larger networks. The airline now operates for America’s top brands – United Airlines, Delta Air Lines, American Airlines and Alaska Airlines. Collectively, they provide more than 800 million passenger trips and transit rides to customers each year.
As a result of the grounding of all flights, SkyWest’s operational capabilities are stopped in their tracks. The impacts from the current situation make daily operations difficult for the airline. This affects partner airlines, too, which depend on its robust regional network to feed passengers to their hubs. SkyWest has taken some initial steps to address the FAA’s concerns. Ultimately, passengers ticketed on SkyWest-operated flights can suffer considerable delays or cancellations.
Details about the specific basis for the FAA’s request—especially in the context of ongoing pilot staffing issues—are less clear. SkyWest has been working fully with the FAA on this. They are committed to making amends for what might have caused them to take this extreme step. The airline has not made public what issues with safety or operations led to this massive and ongoing disruption.
If you are booked on SkyWest, be in regular touch with your airline for any crucial news. They’ll help you stay up to date with any changes to your itinerary. Major carriers affected by the unprecedented grounding will increase flexibility and options to assist customers. They provide accommodation and journey rebooking options for passengers whose flights were canceled or delayed significantly.