Thousands of flights across the United States were cancelled or delayed as a severe winter storm threatened the northeastern region during the peak of the holiday travel season. As of Friday night, FlightAware, a flight tracking website, reported 1,600 flights within the U.S. had been cancelled and 7,400 had been delayed.
The airports most heavily affected included John F. Kennedy International, Newark Liberty, and LaGuardia, all serving the New York metropolitan area. Boston, Chicago, and Toronto in Canada also experienced significant disruptions. Airports took to social media, advising travelers to verify their flight status with their respective airlines.
The National Weather Service issued a winter storm warning effective from 4:00 p.m. local time (21:00 GMT) Friday until 1:00 p.m. Saturday. The forecast predicted up to 23 centimeters of snow in New York City and southern Connecticut. The storm’s timing coincided with a period of heightened travel as people across the U.S. and internationally journeyed to be with family and friends for the holidays, a tradition observed in many cultures beyond North America.
Several airlines experienced significant operational challenges. JetBlue Airways cancelled 229 flights, while Delta Air Lines scrapped 241. Republic Airways and Southwest Airlines reported 180 and 151 cancellations, respectively. American Airlines and United Airlines also cancelled approximately 100 scheduled flights each.
The ripple effects of such widespread cancellations extended beyond the immediate inconvenience to travelers. Disruptions in air travel can impact global supply chains, potentially delaying the delivery of goods and impacting international commerce. The economic consequences of weather-related travel disruptions are felt worldwide, as businesses and individuals adjust to unexpected delays and increased costs.
The situation remained fluid as airlines and airport authorities worked to manage the backlog of flights and accommodate stranded passengers. Travelers were advised to monitor weather forecasts and airline updates closely and to anticipate potential delays and cancellations as the winter storm progressed. The disruptions served as a reminder of the vulnerability of modern transportation systems to extreme weather events, a challenge faced by countries across the globe.
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