The Federal Aviation Administration’s 10% reduction in flight capacity at major U.S. airports, combined with the grounding of MD-11 cargo planes by UPS and FedEx, tightens air cargo capacity just before the holiday season, prompting warnings of possible shipping delays and supply chain strain in December.
Key Takeaways
- Air cargo strain intensifies: The FAA’s flight cuts and grounded MD-11 fleets have reduced air freight capacity, affecting critical logistics networks during peak demand.
- Carriers activate contingency plans: UPS and FedEx are rerouting flights and utilizing alternative ground and air networks to ensure essential deliveries.
- Potential holiday delays: Experts warn shoppers could face one- to two-day delays in mid-December.
