Severe Winter Storm in US Cancelled Thousands of Flights

Why are so many flights being canceled in the United States?

The United States aviation industry has been facing massive flight disruptions since the early days of the pandemic, due to a winter storm that hit various parts of the country, snarling travel from Texas to the East Coast. According to the Aviation analytics company Cirium, the last weekend saw the most cancellations since the pandemic, with over 45% of flights canceled. The numbers are substantial: over 5,000 U.S. flights scheduled for Monday, January 26, were cancelled, and on Sunday, this number crossed 10,900, with over 3,400 delays. For those stuck in the moment of chaos, the disruptions were a clear signal of longer delays, overnight stays, and hours on planes. The National Weather Service forecast already noted the potential for widespread heavy snow and a band of ice stretching from East Texas to North Carolina, affecting roughly 140 million people, or over 40% of the U.S. population.

Across a dozen states, officials warned of future turbulent weather, announced crises, or encouraged people to stay in their homes. Crews across the southern states were deployed to restore downed power lines, while officials in some states have given a final warning to residents. A meteorologist at the National Weather Service, Allison Santorelli, has said, "What really makes this storm unique is, just following this storm, it's just going to get cold." He added, "The snow and the ice will be very, very  slow to melt and won't be going away anytime soon, and that's going to hinder any recovery efforts." 

Which airports are affected by the reduction in flights?

Several Airports in the country, serving as vital hubs, have been significantly affected and are currently non-operational due to heavy snowfall. The sudden stoppage of operations at some of the country's primary airports disrupts the overall flight network, worsening the situation. Some of the most affected airports included the following:

• Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW): One of the vital hubs in the United States aviation industry, has repeatedly suspended operations due to snow, ice, and extreme cold. 
• Boston Logan International Airport (BOS): Mass cancellations and delays have been reported due to heavy snowfall and extremely low visibility. 
• John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) & LaGuardia Airport (LGA): A similar issue is also being faced at New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport and LaGuardia Airport, making ground operations challenging. 
• Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR): The New York airspace remains one of the most restricted in the country, with delays and cancellations rising across the Northeast. 
• Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) & Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA): Advisories have been issued to impose additional strict ground orders if the weather deteriorates. 
• Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL): Atlanta, one of the busiest airports, has significant consequences, and disruptions have resulted in nationwide problems. 

What airline cancels the most flights?

Similar to the limitations on airport operations within the United States, several U.S.-based airlines have also reported cancellations and delays in their operation. This disorder has made the situation worse for those who are stuck at the airport during this chaotic event. A list of the airlines that have cancelled most of their flights is provided below:  

• American Airlines: The airline is a major player in the global aviation industry, and with hundreds of cancellations and delays, travelers at DFW and East Coast hubs are struggling. 
• Delta Air Lines: Delta Air Lines has reported operating on a reduced schedule while side-by-side reviewing the conditions across Atlanta, Boston, and New York. 
• United Airlines: Waivers remain in effect across large parts of the Eastern and Southern hubs of the United States. 
• JetBlue: It is also experiencing high cancellation rates, especially in the Northeast.