Southwest Airlines has been canceling many flights due to several ongoing issues that affect its operations. One of the main reasons is a shortage of staff, especially pilots and flight attendants. After the COVID-19 pandemic, many employees took early retirement or left the airline, and it has taken time to hire and train enough new staff. When flights get delayed or crews time out due to work hour limits, it becomes difficult to find replacements quickly. Another big issue is the airline’s outdated scheduling system. When problems arise, the system struggles to handle changes and often leads to more delays and confusion. Unlike other airlines that use a hub-and-spoke model, Southwest uses a point-to-point system, which means planes and crews travel directly between cities without returning to a central hub. This model works well when everything is running smoothly, but during disruptions such as weather delays or mechanical problems, it becomes harder to get planes and crews to the right places. Bad weather, especially during the winter months, has also caused many flight cancellations. Snowstorms, ice, and strong winds can ground planes and disrupt entire schedules. Because Southwest’s system is tightly packed with short turnaround times, even a small delay in one city can lead to missed connections and more cancellations across the network. In December 2022, the airline faced a major crisis when a winter storm hit large parts of the U.S., leading to thousands of flight cancellations. Southwest was affected more than other airlines because of its unique route system and old technology. The U.S. government investigated the situation and fined the airline, urging improvements. In response, Southwest has started making changes to improve reliability. It has reduced the number of flights in certain cities to give more room for delays and allow better recovery when problems happen. The airline is also investing in new technology to help its scheduling system work faster and handle changes more smoothly. At the same time, Southwest is hiring more crew members to reduce the pressure on current staff. It is also testing new policies such as assigned seating to improve boarding and turnaround times. However, these changes take time, and passengers may still experience cancellations or delays until the improvements are fully in place. Overall, Southwest’s high number of cancellations is caused by a mix of staffing shortages, outdated technology, a complex route system, and weather problems. The airline is working to fix these issues, but until everything is updated and more stable, flight disruptions may continue. Passengers should check flight status before travel and plan for possible delays, especially during busy or bad weather seasons. Southwest has promised to improve its service and has started making steps in the right direction, but it will take consistent effort to fully recover and provide reliable service to travelers.