Wiring Cancels Flights

DALLAS – Business trips and vacations were disrupted for tens of thousands of travelers Wednesday as American Airlines canceled more than 1,000 flights – nearly half its schedule – to fix faulty wiring that could cause a short-circuit or even a fire and explosion.

It was the latest – and largest – in a wave of cancellations at major U.S. airlines that have caused long lines at ticket counters and made flying even more stressful than usual.

Executives at American said safety was never compromised, and they suggested the nation’s biggest airline was the victim of suddenly stepped-up scrutiny by federal regulators.

American estimated that more than 100,000 travelers were booked on the canceled flights.

The airline had already scrubbed 460 flights on Tuesday after federal inspectors found problems with wiring work done two weeks ago, during the first set of shutdowns.

Originally published by Associated Press.

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