Pilot shortage continues to impact the airline industry

Posted on June 23, 2022
Central Illinois Regional Airport deputy director Fran Strebing spoke with WJBC’s Scott Miller. (WJBC file photo)

By Neil Doyle

BLOOMINGTON – The airline industry continues to be impacted by a labor shortage and rising gas prices. But what does that mean for smaller airports?

Air fares are increasing across the country, and that includes flights to and from Central Illinois Regional Airport in Bloomington.

CIRA deputy director Fran Strebing spoke with WJBC’s Scott Miller.

“Fuel and labor are their two biggest costs and both of those are a little bit of an issue right now,” said Strebing. “They are increasing their fares somewhat and I think that is why you won’t see a lot of additional flights happening in the real near future. Between the pilot shortages and the high fuel costs, they are managing those costs the best they can.”

Faced with staffing shortages, many airlines have already cancelled thousands of flights for the summer season.

Neil Doyle can be reached at [email protected]

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