Many countries have relaxed their COVID-19 border restrictions and are now open to travel. On a daily basis, hundreds of flights are canceled or delayed across the globe. The main reason is the shortage of airline staff, particularly pilots.
Pilots protested this shortage by taking to the picket lines. They are also frustrated at the stalled negotiations and the strained schedules of pilots.
Ari Shapiro, NPR’s Ari Shapiro, spoke with Captain Casey Murray of Southwest Airlines Pilots Association to discuss the reasons for this shortage.
Airlines are finding creative ways to retain and recruit pilots. NPR’s David Schaper reports on how one airline opened its first flight school.
Amanda Andrews, George Public Broadcasting, contributed additional reporting to this episode.
You’ll hear a segment of local news in participating regions to help you understand what’s happening in your area.
Email us at considerthis@npr.org.
