A blizzard led US Airlines to cancel over 2,000 flights

Saturday, January 13, 2024

More than 2,000 flights were canceled on Friday as a result of a winter storm that disrupted operations and power supplies in 12 states in the US. With a strong freeze predicted for the weekend, this disruption is anticipated to last.

By 5:30 p.m. ET, 2,058 flights had been canceled and 5,846 had been delayed, according to the flight tracking website FlightAware. At 401 flights, Southwest Airlines led the list of cancellations, followed by SkyWest with 358.

The weather in the Midwest was expected to cause operational challenges for Delta Air Lines and Southwest Airlines, which issued a travel advisory and warned of possible effects on flights in Chicago, Detroit, and Omaha.

Because of the wind, snow, and clouds on Thursday, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) had warned of possible flight delays at certain airports.

284 flights have already been canceled by United Airlines, and some more may be postponed until Saturday while the airline waits for regulatory clearance to start flying Boeing 737 MAX 9 aircraft again. According to United, some of its scheduled flights will be operated by different aircraft types as part of its adaptation.

Following a cabin panel detachment on an Alaska Airlines flight last week that resulted in an emergency landing, the FAA opened a formal investigation into the 737 MAX 9.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issued alerts about possible delays brought on by unfavorable weather conditions like wind, clouds, and snow at specific airports, which made the storm’s impact on air travel even more severe. For airlines like Delta Air Lines, which recognized the weather-related issues and projected possible disruptions in the Midwest, this resulted in operational challenges.

The FAA’s involvement in the matter went beyond weather-related concerns, as the agency opened a formal investigation into the 737 MAX 9 after an Alaska Airlines flight experienced a cabin panel detachment that required an emergency landing in midair. For airlines using this aircraft model, this investigation has added yet another level of complexity.

Airlines endeavored to mitigate the effects of the winter storm and provide accommodations for impacted passengers, while travelers grappled with its challenges. The impact of the storm on air travel in the affected regions is anticipated to be felt for days to come, though, with the impending freeze threatening to worsen the situation.

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