A severe winter storm is creating significant disruptions in air travel across the United States, with over 8,000 flights cancelled for January 24 and 25, 2024. The storm is expected to impact regions stretching from Massachusetts in the east to New Mexico in the west. As of the latest updates from FlightAware, airlines are proactively cancelling flights to mitigate the chaos expected over the weekend.
Airlines have reported extensive cancellations, with American Airlines leading the way with more than 2,000 cancellations. Southwest Airlines has cancelled over 1,000 flights, while United Airlines has grounded more than 500 flights on January 24 alone. As travel plans are disrupted, the backlog of stranded passengers is anticipated to persist well into the following days.
Airlines Take Preemptive Measures
In response to the forecast of heavy snowfall, airlines across the country are implementing preventive measures. Reports indicate that on January 24, there will be approximately 3,132 cancellations and an additional 4,935 cancellations expected for January 25, as predicted by Flightradar24. The combination of snow, ice, and frigid temperatures is expected to affect a wide range of states, prompting airlines and airports to take necessary precautions to ensure safety.
Delta Air Lines has already cancelled many flights originating from North Texas, along with other regions including Oklahoma, Arkansas, Louisiana, and Tennessee. As airlines scramble to accommodate affected travelers, American Airlines has added 17 additional flights to and from Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport to key destinations across the United States ahead of the impending storm.
Check Flight Status Before Heading to Airport
Travelers are urged to verify their flight status before making their way to the airport. With evolving weather conditions and ongoing advisories, airlines are encouraging passengers to check both road and flight conditions. To assist with travel disruptions, most airlines are offering travel waivers, allowing customers to modify their plans without incurring penalties.
Delta Air Lines has issued a waiver for most itineraries in the eastern United States, including major airports like Boston, New York, and Philadelphia. Similarly, American Airlines is permitting passengers to make changes to flights from 34 U.S. airports without penalty for those scheduled to travel between January 23 and 25. United Airlines is also offering waivers for those with travel dates during this period from a list of over 30 U.S. airports.
The highest number of cancellations is reported at New York’s JFK, Newark, and LaGuardia airports, where operations are particularly impacted.
Operational Safety Measures in Place
For flights to proceed safely, airport runways and taxiways require regular plowing to ensure aircraft can move without obstruction. Additionally, de-icing procedures must be implemented before departures to prevent ice accumulation on aircraft. Airlines often cancel flights preemptively during severe weather events to avoid stranding passengers and crew.
As this winter storm unfolds, many flights, both domestic and international, are likely to be affected. Passengers are advised to contact their airlines directly or utilize their respective websites or mobile apps to explore rebooking options. The travel disruptions are expected to resonate beyond the United States, impacting flights worldwide as conditions develop.
