Icy Mix Forces Logan International Airport Deicing as New England Winter Storm Hits

Messy winter weather is causing commercial aviation disruption across the New England states. The storm brought a mix of snow, ice, and freezing rain on Wednesday. This created dangerous driving conditions for ground crews and passengers. All six New England states were under National Weather Service (NWS) winter weather advisories. The NWS warned of treacherous conditions throughout the week.

Airport Operational Impact

At least five New England airports reported operational impacts from the storm. This includes Logan International Airport in Boston. Ground crews at these facilities began aircraft deicing operations. Deicing fluid is critical for maintaining flight safety protocols during icing conditions. The fluid removes snow and ice from aircraft surfaces. It also prevents new ice from forming before takeoff.

Deicing and Safety Measures

Aircraft manufacturers like Airbus and regulators mandate deicing. Ice on wings can severely impact a plane’s lift and control. The storm delivered a mix of precipitation, including a tenth of an inch of ice. This amount is enough to create unsafe road conditions. The freezing rain and ice mixture necessitated the winter weather advisory. A National Weather Service meteorologist noted this messy mix makes road conditions much worse. This directly impacts airport ground operations, including fueling and baggage handling. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) provides resources for safe winter operations. The agency supports airports with funding for snow removal equipment.

Broader Regional Disruption

The storm's impact extended beyond air travel. Dozens of school districts across the region closed or delayed openings. This was due to the unsafe road conditions for school buses. Highway authorities in Maine, New Hampshire, and Massachusetts reported numerous vehicle spinouts. While no serious injuries were reported, travel was significantly impaired. A few thousand power outages were also reported, mostly in Maine. The NWS is forecasting more hazardous weather later in the week. This includes rain followed by dropping temperatures, which could lead to more ice. Another system could bring snow this weekend. Aviation stakeholders must monitor these forecasts closely. This is to minimize Northeast air travel delays and ensure passenger safety. For more updates on this and other aviation news, visit flying.flights.

• The storm required aircraft deicing operations at five New England airports, including Logan.
• The National Weather Service issued advisories for all six New England states due to a freezing rain and ice mix.
• Future forecasts predict more hazardous weather, threatening further commercial aviation disruption through the weekend.
• The FAA provides funding and resources to support airport winter operations and safety.