Thousands of flights have been cancelled or delayed across the United States as the northeastern region braces for a severe winter storm, striking at the peak of the holiday travel season.
According to flight-tracking website FlightAware, approximately 1,600 flights were cancelled by Friday evening, while more than 7,400 others experienced delays. The most heavily affected airports include John F. Kennedy International Airport, Newark Liberty International Airport, and LaGuardia Airport, which serve the greater New York City area.
Flight disruptions have also been reported in Boston, Chicago, and Toronto, Canada, indicating the storm’s widespread impact on North American air travel.
Airlines Most Affected
Among major carriers:
- Delta Air Lines cancelled 241 flights
- JetBlue cancelled 229 flights
- Republic Airways cancelled 180 flights
- Southwest Airlines cancelled 151 flights
- American Airlines and United Airlines each cancelled around 100 flights
Airports and airlines have urged passengers, via social media, to check the status of their flights directly with carriers before traveling, Reuters reported.
Official Warnings Issued
New York Governor Kathy Hochul called on residents to avoid non-essential travel, emphasizing that those who must travel should plan carefully, allow extra time, and drive cautiously to ensure safety. Similar advisories were issued by the governors of New Jersey and Connecticut, as the storm continues to move through the region.
The weather system is expected to continue disrupting transportation networks, adding pressure to airports already strained by heavy holiday traffic.
