A powerful winter storm sweeping across 12 states in the United States has resulted in the cancellation of over 2,000 flights on Friday. The adverse weather conditions, including snow, wind, and power outages, have prompted airlines to face operational challenges, affecting travel plans for thousands of passengers.
As of 5.30 p.m. ET, a total of 2,058 flights were canceled, and 5,846 flights were delayed, according to the flight-tracking website FlightAware. Southwest Airlines topped the list of cancellations, with 401 flights affected, followed by SkyWest with 358 cancellations.
Several airlines, including Delta Air Lines and Southwest Airlines, have issued travel advisories warning passengers of potential disruptions to flights in certain regions. Delta mentioned that operational challenges are expected due to the winter weather in the Midwest, impacting travel on Friday and potentially into the weekend.
In a statement, Delta Air Lines said, “We expect some operational challenges due to the weather in the Midwest today and potentially tomorrow due to the winter weather in the region.”
Southwest Airlines also cautioned passengers that flights in Chicago, Detroit, and Omaha could be impacted by the winter storm.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) had issued a warning on Thursday, stating that clouds, snow, and wind force could lead to flight delays at specific airports. The weather conditions have created a challenging environment for air travel, leading to disruptions across major airlines.
United Airlines, facing 284 cancellations, noted that some of the flight disruptions might extend into Saturday. The airline is awaiting regulatory approval to resume operating Boeing’s 737 MAX 9 jets, as the FAA initiated a formal investigation into an incident where a cabin panel blew off an Alaska Airlines flight mid-air last week, necessitating an emergency landing.
The FAA’s investigation into the 737 MAX 9 incident underscores the importance of ensuring the safety and integrity of flights. While airlines work to navigate the challenges posed by the winter storm, the regulatory scrutiny adds an additional layer of complexity to their operations.
Passengers are advised to stay informed about the status of their flights, check for updates from airlines, and consider potential disruptions before planning their travel during this period of inclement weather.