Why Winter Storm Fern Caused Over 11,400 US Flight Cancellations on Sunday.
Aviation News Editor & Industry Analyst delivering clear coverage for a worldwide audience.
US airlines canceled over 11,400 flights Sunday due to Winter Storm Fern; this caused the largest air travel disruption since the pandemic at major hubs.
Key Takeaways
- •Over 11,400 US flights were canceled on Sunday, marking the largest disruption since the pandemic.
- •American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and Southwest Airlines reported the highest number of cancellations.
- •Major hubs like Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW), Atlanta (ATL), and New York-area airports faced ground stops and closures.
- •The FAA advised travelers to check real-time updates as cascading delays are expected for several days.
A massive winter storm named Winter Storm Fern created a brutal travel day Sunday. Airlines warned of widespread cancellations and delays.
This severe weather event led to a historic grounding of flights. Over 11,400 flights were canceled on Sunday alone. Aviation analytics firm Cirium called this the largest cancellation event since the pandemic began. The storm brought heavy snow, ice, and strong winds across the US.
Major Airport Delays and Closures
The storm severely impacted the nation's busiest air travel hubs. At least 40 airports were closed or operating under restrictions. Key operations were effectively halted at several locations. Boston Logan International Airport (BOS) and McCarran International Airport (LAS) were fully closed. Operations at New York's LaGuardia (LGA) were suspended until 8 p.m.
Significant disruption hit major airline hubs. These included Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) and Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport (DFW). The storm also affected Charlotte Douglas (CLT) and New York-area airports.
Airline Operational Impact
US airlines winter storm preparations included issuing travel waivers. This allowed passengers to rebook flights without change fees. The three major carriers faced the highest number of massive flight cancellations.
- American Airlines canceled over 1,800 flights.
- Delta Air Lines canceled nearly 1,500 flights.
- Southwest Airlines canceled over 1,300 flights.
United Airlines and JetBlue also saw hundreds of cancellations. The air travel disruption is expected to cause cascading delays aviation experts warn. Recovery across the complex airline networks will take several days.
Regulatory Response and Passenger Advice
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is actively monitoring conditions. The FAA warned that strong winds could slow flights. Low clouds might also cause delays at several airports. The agency's weather and air traffic experts are working to ensure safety.
The FAA air traffic advisories urged travelers to check flight status. Passengers must monitor airline notifications before heading to the terminal. US regulations require airlines to issue full refunds for canceled flights. This includes baggage fees and seat upgrades, even on non-refundable tickets. The widespread airline travel waivers offer flexibility for rebooking.
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Written by Ujjwal Sukhwani
Aviation News Editor & Industry Analyst delivering clear coverage for a worldwide audience. Covers flight operations, safety regulations, and market trends with expert analysis.
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