FORT WORTH, Texas -- American Airlines canceled about 300 flights Wednesday so its crews can inspect some wire bundles aboard its MD-80 aircraft.

American initially put the number of cancellations at 200, but a spokesman said that was a conservative estimate. He said the airline prefers to hold off on cancellations as long as possible.

A statement issued by the Fort Worth-based airline said the need for the new inspections became known during an audit of American by a joint team of federal and company inspectors.

Airline spokesman Tim Wagner said less than 10 percent of McDonnell Douglas 80 flights across the country will be canceled to run compliance checks, KXAS-TV in Dallas reported. Wagner said that the inspection can take several hours per aircraft.

Wagner said Federal Aviation Administration and airline inspectors questioned how a bundle of wires is secured on the aircraft.

"We are re-inspecting the MD-80s to make sure the wiring is installed and secured exactly according to the directive," he said.

Officials said crews airline have been inspecting planes throughout the day.

"We are in the process of completing the inspections on the remaining airplanes and will return them to service on a rolling basis throughout the day," Wagner said.

The cancellations affect fewer than 10 percent of American's schedule for Wednesday, officials said.

About 50 departures were canceled at American's hubs at Dallas-Fort Worth and Chicago O'Hare international airports.