Record Passenger Numbers Push U.S. Aviation System to Its Limits

This summer’s travel season is breaking records across the board, and the numbers are putting serious pressure on the United States aviation system.

Airlines across the country are now moving more passengers than at any point in history — all while operating a smaller number of flights compared to what was common 20 years ago. That combination is pushing airports and air carriers to their limits.

The surge in demand, paired with tighter flight schedules, means planes are more crowded than ever and airports are handling massive volumes of travelers with less room for error.