A severe winter storm is anticipated to disrupt air travel across the United States this weekend, resulting in the cancellation of over 8,000 flights. This disruption affects routes extending from Massachusetts in the east to New Mexico in the west, as airlines scramble to adapt to the worsening weather conditions. According to data from FlightAware, the total number of cancelled flights includes both domestic and international services over the next two days.
As of now, the situation is evolving rapidly, with airlines proactively cancelling or delaying flights. American Airlines has cancelled more than 2,000 flights, while Southwest Airlines has grounded over 1,000. United Airlines has also seen significant cancellations, with more than 500 flights affected for travel on January 24.
Flight Cancellations and Airline Responses
The impending storm is expected to exacerbate travel disruptions. Forecasts indicate a mix of snow, ice, and frigid temperatures affecting a majority of U.S. states. As reported by Flightradar24, approximately 3,132 flights were cancelled on January 24, with an additional 4,935 cancellations anticipated for January 25. In light of these conditions, airlines like Delta Air Lines have taken significant measures, cancelling a majority of flights from regions such as North Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Louisiana, and Tennessee.
Travelers are currently facing a backlog as they attempt to rebook their flights. To ease the situation, airlines are introducing extra services. For instance, American Airlines has added 17 additional flights to and from Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport, targeting key U.S. cities ahead of the storm’s arrival.
Advice for Travelers
With significant travel plans disrupted, passengers are advised to verify their flight statuses before proceeding to the airport. Weather advisories are continuously changing, and airlines emphasize the importance of checking both flight statuses and road conditions. Many airlines are also offering travel waivers, allowing customers to modify their travel plans without incurring penalties.
Delta Air Lines has issued a waiver applicable to most itineraries across the eastern United States, including major airports such as Boston, New York, and Philadelphia. Similarly, American Airlines is permitting adjustments for passengers traveling to or from 34 U.S. airports for journeys booked between January 23 and January 25. United Airlines has also released a travel waiver that allows changes for passengers with original travel dates during this period.
Safety remains a priority, and airlines routinely cancel flights ahead of severe winter conditions to avoid stranding passengers and crew. To ensure safe operations, airport runways and taxiways will require regular plowing, and aircraft will need de-icing before departure.
Travelers are encouraged to reach out to their airlines or utilize the respective airline’s website or app for options regarding rebooking. As the storm continues to impact travel plans across the globe, both domestic and international flights to and from the United States are expected to be affected significantly.
