Various US media reports said more than 4,300 flights were either delayed or canceled at several US airports on Wednesday as a winter storm moved from Washington to New England across much of the northern half of the country. Flight tracking site FlightAware indicated that 1,640 flights to and from the US were canceled as of 8 a.m. ET on Wednesday, with more than 5,000 delayed.
Delta and Southwest each canceled more than 250 flights, while SkyWest, which operates through partnerships with several airlines including United, Delta, American and Alaska Airlines, canceled more than 350 flights. United, American Airlines and Alaska Airlines reported fewer cancellations – between about 40 and 45 each – but recorded more delays. As of Wednesday afternoon, 288 American Airlines flights were delayed and 354 flights operated by United were also delayed, according to FlightAware.
The winter storm has had a significant impact on much of North America, causing the closure of schools, offices and even the Minnesota Legislature. FlightAware reports that more than 1,500 flights in the US have been canceled due to the weather, with more than 400 originating or departing from the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport. In addition, the storm, which extended across 29 states including California, Minnesota and Maine, resulted in winter weather warnings and warnings of severe snow, extreme cold and sleet as part of the three-day storm.
At least 15 inches of snow is expected in Minnesota’s Twin Cities, according to the National Weather Service. The service warned that the storm will cause widespread snow accumulation, blowing and drifting snow primarily Wednesday through Thursday.
The disruption in air travel has caused immense inconvenience to passengers, especially at a time when travel is already challenging due to the ongoing pandemic.
frequently Asked question:
Q1: Which airlines are most affected by the winter storm in the US?
Delta and Southwest had the most flight cancellations in the US due to winter storms, each canceling more than 250 flights. SkyWest, which operates through partnerships with several airlines, has canceled more than 350 flights. United, American and Alaska Airlines had fewer cancellations but more delays.
Q2: How has the US winter storm affected travelers?
More than 4,300 flight cancellations and delays in the US due to the winter storm have caused significant inconvenience to travelers, especially at a time when travel is already challenging due to the pandemic.