Southwest hopes to return to full schedule Friday after canceling thousands of flights

The nightmare may be over soon for Southwest Airlines flyers whose holiday travels have been anything but smooth sailing.

After canceling thousands of flights because of winter weather and a major technology meltdown, company leaders at Southwest told employees Wednesday that they hope to have a full schedule restored by Friday, the Associated Press reported.

The Dallas-based airline canceled 35 flights into and out of Pittsburgh International Airport on Thursday, according to the flight tracking website FlightAware.

The airport’s website showed six arriving flights and nine departing flights listed as being on time as of around 11 a.m.

A spokesperson at the airport declined to comment on the situation Thursday.

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• 'Maybe I will cry': Southwest travelers in Pittsburgh frustrated by cancellations, delays

Southwest cut two-thirds of its flights for a few days around the holidays in an effort to reset its operations. The AP reported that the airline had canceled more than 15,000 flights since Dec. 22.

The delays have caused problems for many travelers at Pittsburgh International Airport this week. Travelers there voiced concerns about paying for the extra expenses they’re incurring because of the delays, such as food and rental cars.

Travelers at the airport earlier this week complained of poor communication with Southwest as they tried to figure out new travel arrangements.

After halting sales on most tickets this week, Southwest now has flights available starting Friday on its website.

The company, the nation’s largest domestic carrier, has nearly 4,000 flights a day planned over the New Year’s weekend, according to the AP.