Southwest Airlines has been canceling many flights due to a combination of outdated technology, staffing shortages, and its point-to-point flight system. Unlike most major airlines that use a hub-and-spoke model, Southwest connects cities directly. This system works well in normal conditions but becomes fragile when disruptions occur. If one flight is delayed or canceled, it affects many other flights across the network because planes and crews do not return to a central hub. This makes it harder to recover when problems arise. Another major reason is the airline’s old crew scheduling system, which cannot handle large numbers of changes quickly. When weather or other issues cause delays, the system struggles to find available pilots and flight attendants for rescheduled flights. This delay in matching crews to planes often leads to more cancellations. The airline has admitted that its technology needs upgrades and that its system is not built to manage widespread disruption. In addition to technology, staffing is a big issue. Like many airlines, Southwest faced a shortage of workers after the pandemic. Many employees took early retirement or left the industry, and hiring has not kept up with demand. The shortage includes pilots, ground staff, and customer service agents. With fewer staff available, the airline cannot operate all its scheduled flights, especially during busy travel periods. Bad weather also plays a role, especially in winter or during storm seasons, but the impact is worse for Southwest because of how its system spreads planes and crews across the country. When storms hit several regions at once, it becomes nearly impossible to recover quickly. Southwest has promised to invest in new technology and increase staffing, but those improvements take time. Meanwhile, passengers continue to face delays and cancellations more often than with other airlines. The airline has received criticism from travelers and government officials, especially during major disruptions like holiday seasons. In response, Southwest has started reviewing its operations, updating internal systems, and working to improve communication with customers during delays. Still, many problems remain, and experts say the airline must make major changes to avoid repeated cancellations. In summary, Southwest is canceling so many flights because its point-to-point model makes it more vulnerable to disruptions, its crew scheduling system is outdated and slow, and staffing levels are not high enough to meet current demand. Weather events only add to these issues, and without fast solutions, the airline continues to struggle with reliability. Passengers are often left frustrated as they deal with delays, missed connections, and limited options for rebooking. Until major updates are made, Southwest’s structure and systems will likely continue to cause higher rates of flight cancellations compared to other airlines.