NEW YORK — American Airlines has reached an agreement with its pilots’ union to avoid cancelling thousands of flights during the holiday season.

A scheduling glitch had left thousands of flights without a captain, co-pilot or both between Dec. 17 and Dec. 31 at dozens of airports. The ******* and the Allied Pilots Association had disagreed how to overcome the *******.

American said Friday that the two sides “have put that worry to rest to make sure our flights will operate as scheduled.”

The union said it withdrew a grievance after reaching an agreement in principle. Union spokesman Dennis Tajer said details will be released after pilots see the deal.

American, the *****’s biggest *******, expects to operate more than 200,000 flights in December.