WASHINGTON, May 21 (Reuters) -

The trade group for major U.S. airlines on Tuesday urged the

government to act quickly to address a long-standing air traffic

controller shortage ahead of the busy summer travel season but

the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration chief accused the group

of trying to deflect responsibility for flight delays.

Nick Calio, head of Airlines for America, whose members

include American Airlines ( AAL ), Delta Air Lines ( DAL ),

United Airlines and Southwest Airlines ( LUV ), said the

staffing shortage "has a direct impact on airline operations and

the traveling public."

FAA Deputy Administrator Katie Thomson rejected the

criticism, saying the agency is working to boost hiring and

"focused on the safety of the flying public. Rather than funding

publicity stunts, we'd welcome support in a serious effort to

help recruit more controllers."

Thomson added the "industry's own data shows that weather

and airline issues cause far more delays than air traffic

control capacity." The FAA points to delays tied to airline

staffing and maintenance issues as a bigger issue.

In March, President Joe Biden's administration said it

was seeking funding from Congress to hire another 2,000 air

traffic controllers in the 2025 budget year after a series of

near-miss incidents.

Airlines and the administration have sparred over the

last three years over a series of issues, including

mergers

,

consumer rules

and

family seating

.

Calio on Tuesday

reiterated calls for action

, saying it was "past time" for Transportation Secretary

Pete Buttigieg and FAA Administrator Mike Whitaker to "take

action to solve this crisis and increase staffing."

A persistent shortage of controllers has delayed

flights. At many facilities, controllers are working mandatory

overtime and six-day weeks to cover staffing shortages. The FAA

wants $43 million to accelerate hiring and training of

controllers.

Staffing issues forced the FAA to extend cuts to minimum

flight requirements at congested New York City-area airports

through October 2024 - allowing airlines to fly fewer flights

without forfeiting take-off and landing slots. Airlines have

asked

for the waiver to be extended

by another year.

An

independent report in November

called for "urgent action" to bolster the FAA, saying the

agency has been "asked to do more with less in an already

strained system." Whitaker this month agreed to

delay new rest requirements

for controllers after union objections.

A USDOT inspector general's

report in June 2023

found critical air traffic facilities facing significant

staffing shortages, and posing risks to air traffic operations.