But the recent recovery has been marred by problems, including delays and cancellations around the country.
Airlines and the air traffic control system have struggled to overcome bad weather, technology problems, staffing shortfalls and other disruptions over the past two years, contributing to major meltdowns like the one that Southwest Airlines suffered over several days in late December.
Delays and cancellations have often cascaded on themselves, disrupting air travel for days, leaving many people stranded far from their destinations.
Weather has been responsible for nearly 70 percent of flight delays this year, compared with just under 61 percent during the same period last year, according to federal data.
But many more were delayed: about 25 percent over the past two months, up from about 19 percent in the same period in 2019.
Organizations:
. Airlines, Southwest Airlines, Newark Liberty International Airport