NEW YORK (AP) — Sen. Charles Schumer wants federal transportation officials to urge foreign airlines to work better with the operators of New York's Kennedy Airport after winter weather woes cascaded into days of cancellations and delays this month.

Schumer wrote a letter Monday to the federal Department of Transportation.

The Senate Democratic leader from New York says the department issues documents allowing foreign airlines to operate in the U.S. He suggests that it "utilize that leverage" to encourage them to "develop more meaningful communication systems and contingency plans" with Kennedy's governmental and private operators.

The department had no immediate response.

The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey says coordination between international airlines and privately operated terminals is part of an investigation that former Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood is conducting at its request.

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