WASHINGTON, April 30 (Reuters) - Major U.S. airlines

have asked the Federal Aviation Administration to extend cuts to

minimum flight requirements at congested New York City-area

airports through October 2027, citing severe air traffic

controller staffing shortages.

The FAA has previously issued a series of waivers to address

the staffing issues at JFK, LaGuardia and Newark airports as

well as Reagan Washington National airport. "We believe

inadequate staffing will remain an immediate critical impediment

to the efficient management of the NYC airspace," said Airlines

for America, a trade group representing American Airlines ( AAL )

, United Airlines, Delta Air Lines ( DAL )

, Southwest Airlines ( LUV ) and others in asking for a

two-year extension in a letter seen Wednesday by Reuters.