Chicago: American Airlines announced in would cancel 570 more flights on MD-80 jets on Friday for failing to pass government safety checks.

On Thursday, the airline cancelled 933 flights on MD-80 jets, where checks found potential wiring hazards in wheel wells that could cause fires or problems.

The cancellations have affected more than 140,000 passengers. American Airlines expects all of its MD-80 jets to be flight-worthy by Saturday night.

The chief executive of American Airlines accepted “full responsibility” and apologised to customers. The airline has offered refunds and compensation to travellers.

"I am profoundly sorry that we've gotten ourselves into this situation, and I thank our customers for their patience under very difficult circumstances," said CEO Gerard Arpey.