Winter Storm Devin Grounds 1,600+ Flights, Stranding Holiday Travelers.
Key Points
- 1Over 1,600 US flights were canceled Friday due to Winter Storm Devin, with total disruptions potentially exceeding 2,000 over the weekend.
- 2New York-area airports saw the most significant impact, leading to cascading delays across the Midwest and Northeast.
- 3JetBlue Airways, United Airlines, and Delta Air Lines reported the highest number of flight cancellations during the peak post-Christmas travel period.
- 4International connections, especially to Costa Rica, face delays as recovery efforts are prolonged by lingering cold temperatures.
Airlines canceled more than 1,600 flights across the United States on Friday. This was due to winter storm Devin travel bringing heavy snow and ice. The storm hit the Midwest and Northeast regions hard. This occurred during the busy post-Christmas travel period.
FlightAware reported 1,581 cancellations by 4 p.m. Eastern Time. An additional 6,883 flights were significantly delayed. The total number of US snowstorm flight cancellations could exceed 2,000. Lingering cold temperatures may prolong airport issues.
Network Disruption and Airline Impact
New York airport delays were the most severe. New York-area airports saw 785 cancellations. Chicago hubs also faced heavy operational impacts. The storm's timing amplified the disruption. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) confirmed weather-related delays. The FAA works with airports on snow and ice control.
Carrier-Specific Cancellations
JetBlue United Delta cancellations led the industry total. JetBlue Airways recorded the highest number of cancellations. The carrier canceled over 225 flights in a single day. Delta Air Lines and United Airlines followed closely. Airlines offered refunds or rebookings to passengers. They also waived change fees for affected travelers.
International Ripple Effect
The storm's impact reached international routes, including those to Central America. Flights from San José or Liberia, Costa Rica, are at risk. Connections through New York or Chicago could see delays. This creates problems for Costa Rica flight connections and travelers. JetBlue and United operate many of these routes.
Costa Rican airport operator AERIS advised passengers to check statuses. They recommended using airline apps or websites in real time. The ICT noted that U.S. visitors might adjust their travel plans. Inbound flights from less-impacted southern U.S. airports remain stable. Flexibility is recommended for travelers heading north.
Regulatory and Safety Warnings
The National Weather Service (NWS) issued warnings for dangerous conditions. These included low visibility and icy road hazards. The storm started in the Great Lakes region. It then moved eastward, affecting millions of travelers. The FAA record passenger volumes anticipated for this week were sharply curtailed. Aviation analysts noted that winter storms trigger a ripple effect. Displaced aircraft and crews compound delays nationwide.
For more updates on this and other commercial aviation news, visit flying.flights.
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