This hearing begins an investigation into mass holiday cancellations.
The Senate Commerce Committee held a hearing titled “Strengthening Airline Operations and Consumer Protections,” the first part of their investigation into Southwest Airlines’ cancellation of 16,000 flights during the 2022 holiday season. The committee called on a number of Southwest’s leaders to testify during the hearing, including Chief Executive Officer Bob Jordan. Jordan was unable to attend due to scheduling, so Chief Operating Officer Andrew Watterson testified in his stead.
Due to flight scheduling issues and the cancellations of over 16,700 flights during the holiday season, Southwest has had a lawsuit filed against it by shareholders and government agencies
Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg said the department’s probe is “looking at several things at once.“ He stated that his agency is “making sure the passengers who got caught up in [the company’s scheduling meltdown] are made whole.”
As the Lord Leads, Pray with Us…
- For the senators of the committee as they seek answers to Southwest’s extreme disruptions of air travel at the holidays.
- For Secretary Buttigieg and Transportation Department officials as they address the air travel industry and Southwest airlines in particular.
Sources: CNN, Reuters
