- Severe cold weather conditions have caused 976 flight cancellations and nearly 6000 delays across the US.
- Major airlines including Delta, American, Southwest, and JetBlue are struggling with high numbers of delayed flights.
- Key airports in cities like New York, Boston, and Philadelphia are experiencing significant ground delays and mandatory deicing procedures.
- Affected travelers are urged to frequently check flight status, contact airlines for rebooking, and prepare for extended wait times.
Thousands of travelers across the United States are currently experiencing severe air travel disruptions due to widespread cold weather conditions, which include snow and ice. Major carriers such as Republic, Delta, American, Southwest, and JetBlue are reporting significant operational challenges. Today’s figures indicate 976 total flight cancellations and an alarming 5,907 delays across flights within, into, or out of the country.
Key metropolitan areas and their airports—including New York, Boston, Philadelphia, and Dallas—are among the most severely affected. Airports like Newark Liberty (EWR), John F. Kennedy International (JFK), and LaGuardia (LGA) have faced substantial ground delays. For instance, average delays at LGA have reached up to 351 minutes, while JFK has seen 196-minute delays. Crucial deicing operations, while necessary for safety, are contributing to longer wait times at airports like Boston Logan (BOS), Philadelphia International (PHL), and Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW).
Major airlines are shouldering the brunt of the delays, with Southwest Airlines reporting 764 delays, American Airlines facing 708 delays, and Delta Air Lines recording 525 delays. Smaller regional airlines, including Republic Airlines and Endeavor Air, are also accounting for a substantial number of the overall flight cancellations.
Passengers affected by the disruption are strongly advised to check their flight status frequently using airline websites or tracking apps and to contact their carriers for rebooking options, as many are offering flexible policies. Due to the evolving nature of the situation and the ripple effects on connecting flights, patience and flexibility are required for those currently traveling or planning to travel today.
