There is no mystery as to the immediate cause a growing lack of airspace and airport capacity although the airlines and the FAA trade charges as to who bears the most responsibility. The airlines point out that their schedules are within the capacity levels at most major airports, with exceedances only for short periods of time at four airports. The airlines argue that the real fault rests with an outdated air traffic control system. The FAA, while acknowledging the system deficiencies, suggests that overscheduling by airlines is a substantial part of the problem. This debate is non-productive.
Capacity has to be expanded in either event.
In the meantime, airlines have to live with reality. Worth International Airport. There also is no question that, from a consumer standpoint, it is the airlines and not the FAA that must shoulder the blame. The anecdotal signs of consumer dissatisfaction are reported by the media on a daily basis. This dissatisfaction is not lost on the Congress, and it is probable that the next Congress will have a variety of aviation regulatory proposals near the top of its agenda when it convenes in January.