Delta Air Lines reduces New York City flight frequencies amid FAA slot waiver

A spokesperson for Delta commented on the changes: "following the FAA's extension of the NYC slot utilization waiver through Summer 2026, Delta is making select adjustments to our winter schedule at LaGuardia (LGA) and John F. Kennedy (JFK) airports. ... We apologize for any inconvenience that these schedule changes may cause. Delta remains committed to minimizing travel disruptions while ensuring a smooth transition for all impacted travelers."

The decision follows an extension by the Federal Aviation Administration of the slot utilization waiver through summer 2026. Normally, airlines must use their allocated takeoff and landing slots or risk losing them to competitors under “use-it-or-lose-it” rules. With this waiver in place due to capacity constraints at New York City airports, airlines like Delta can maintain their slots even if they do not operate every possible flight.

Industry observers note that weaker demand for domestic travel during off-peak times has contributed to the airline’s move to cut less profitable flights without risking valuable airport slots.

Travelers are likely to face fewer options as a result of these cuts since there will be fewer daily departures on some routes. Reduced competition could also lead airlines to have more control over pricing on affected routes.