Etihad, United, JetBlue, American, Delta, Southwest, Spirit, and Frontier Face Major Disruptions as New Winter Storm Cancels Over Three Hundred Flights Across US

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A powerful winter storm is wreaking havoc on air travel across the United States, forcing major airlines—including Etihad, United, JetBlue, American, Delta, Southwest, Spirit, and Frontier—to cancel over 300 flights. Severe freezing rain, sleet, and snow have created dangerous conditions, leading to widespread disruptions at Philadelphia International Airport (PHL), Reagan National Airport (DCA), LaGuardia (LGA), and Boston Logan (BOS), among others.

Passengers are experiencing last-minute cancellations and extended delays, with the FAA warning of potential ground stops at heavily impacted airports. Meanwhile, icy roads and poor visibility are compounding travel headaches for those on the road, prompting speed restrictions and school closures in several states. As conditions evolve, more cancellations and delays are expected, making it crucial for travelers to check with their airlines before heading to the airport.

Passengers traveling today should check their flight status frequently, as the situation continues to evolve. Meanwhile, commuters should be cautious, as untreated roads and bridges are expected to remain icy and slippery throughout the morning.

Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) Faces Major Disruptions

Philadelphia International Airport is one of the worst affected travel hubs, with airlines forced to cancel or delay numerous flights due to icy runways and poor visibility. American Airlines has been hit the hardest, accounting for more than half of the total cancellations.

Current Impact at PHL (as of 6 AM Thursday):

• 115 flights canceled
• 24 flights delayed
• The FAA warns of potential ground stops after 7 AM

Several airlines have been affected by the weather-related disruptions:

• American Airlines: 58 cancellations (26%), 4 delays (1%)
• Piedmont Airlines: 24 cancellations (15%), 16 delays (10%)
• Republic Airways: 13 cancellations (27%), no delays
• PSA Airlines: 13 cancellations (20%), 5 delays (7%)
• Jazz Aviation: 3 cancellations (50%), no delays
• Frontier Airlines: 2 cancellations (4%), no delays
• GoJet Airlines: 2 cancellations (25%), no delays
• Spirit Airlines: No cancellations, 1 delay (4%)
• Alaska Airlines: No cancellations, 1 delay (50%)

Travelers flying through PHL should plan ahead and check with their airlines before heading to the airport, as conditions remain uncertain.

Reagan National Airport (DCA) Also Hit Hard

Washington, D.C.’s Reagan National Airport (DCA) is also experiencing severe disruptions, with flight delays and cancellations piling up. Passengers at DCA are facing major setbacks as the winter storm makes operations difficult.

Current Status at DCA:

• 87 flights canceled
• 117 flights delayed

Cancellations and Delays by Airline at DCA:

• PSA Airlines: 47 cancellations (17%), 8 delays (2%)
• Republic Airways: 14 cancellations (8%), 1 delay
• American Airlines: 7 cancellations (5%), 5 delays (3%)
• JetBlue: 7 cancellations (17%), 1 delay (2%)
• Envoy Air: 4 cancellations (12%), 1 delay (3%)
• Jazz Aviation: 3 cancellations (18%), 2 delays (12%)
• Alaska Airlines: 3 cancellations (30%), 3 delays (30%)
• Delta Airlines: 1 cancellation (1%), 22 delays (42%)
• GoJet Airlines: 1 cancellation (5%), no delays
• Frontier Airlines: No cancellations, 1 delay (16%)
• Southwest Airlines: No cancellations, 73 delays (81%)

Passengers flying from DCA are strongly advised to expect further delays and plan accordingly.

LaGuardia Airport (LGA) Faces Cancellations and Delays

New York’s LaGuardia Airport (LGA) is also feeling the effects of the storm, with over 80 flight cancellations reported. While the number of delays remains relatively low, airlines are struggling to operate flights as scheduled.

Current Status at LGA:

• 83 flights canceled
• 4 flights delayed

Cancellations and Delays by Airline at LGA:

• Endeavor Air: 39 cancellations (20%), no delays
• Republic Airways: 29 cancellations (9%), no delays
• Jazz Aviation: 7 cancellations (26%), no delays
• Delta Airlines: 4 cancellations (2%), 1 delay
• Mesa Airlines: 2 cancellations (25%), no delays
• American Airlines: 2 cancellations (1%), no delays
• SkyWest Airlines: No cancellations, 1 delay (3%)
• Southwest Airlines: No cancellations, 2 delays (2%)

Travelers at LGA should prepare for additional disruptions as the day progresses.

Boston Logan International Airport (BOS) Impacted

Boston’s Logan International Airport (BOS) is also seeing a high number of cancellations, particularly among regional carriers that serve smaller destinations.

Current Status at BOS:

• 54 flights canceled
• 15 flights delayed

Cancellations and Delays by Airline at BOS:

• Cape Air: 29 cancellations (44%), no delays
• Republic Airways: 9 cancellations (4%), no delays
• American Airlines: 5 cancellations (6%), no delays
• JetBlue: 4 cancellations (1%), 7 delays (3%)
• Jazz Aviation: 3 cancellations (17%), no delays
• Alaska Airlines: 2 cancellations (25%), 1 delay (12%)
• Delta Airlines: 2 cancellations (1%), 1 delay
• Boutique Air: No cancellations, 1 delay (14%)
• Envoy Air: No cancellations, 1 delay (7%)
• Etihad Airways: No cancellations, 2 delays (66%)
• Hawaiian Airlines: No cancellations, 1 delay (100%)
• United Airlines: No cancellations, 1 delay (1%)

With freezing rain and icy conditions continuing, further delays and cancellations are expected at Boston Logan.

Hazardous Road Conditions Prompt Speed Reductions

The winter storm is also making road travel extremely dangerous, leading PennDOT to reduce speed limits to 45 mph on key highways, including:

• Interstate 78 (Berks, Lehigh, and Northampton counties)
• Interstate 80 (Carbon and Monroe counties)
• Interstate 81 (Schuylkill County)
• Interstate 380 (Monroe County)
• US 22 (Lehigh and Northampton counties)
• PA 33 (Monroe and Northampton counties)

Bridges, overpasses, and untreated roads remain especially hazardous, increasing the risk of accidents and traffic delays for commuters.

School Closures and Delays Due to Weather

A winter weather advisory remains in effect across the region, prompting many school districts to make schedule adjustments. Several schools have opted to:

• Close entirely
• Move to virtual learning
• Delay opening times

Parents should check with local school districts for updates regarding closures and delays.

What’s Next?

The storm is expected to transition to rain by noon, potentially easing travel conditions later in the day. However, airlines will still face challenges recovering from cancellations, meaning travelers should expect delays to persist throughout the day.

Travel Tips for Affected Passengers:

• Check your airline’s website for real-time flight updates
• Allow extra time for travel due to slick roads
• Stay informed on weather forecasts to anticipate further disruptions
• Consider rebooking options if your flight is canceled

With winter weather continuing to impact travel, passengers are urged to stay prepared and check updates frequently.