A powerful winter storm has severely disrupted air travel across the Northeast and Midwest regions of the United States, leading to extensive flights‘ delays and cancellations.
John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) in New York City has been particularly affected, with flights experiencing average delays of approximately two and a half hours on Sunday morning, according to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).​
Impact on New York Airports
At JFK Airport, delays have reached up to four hours, significantly affecting both domestic and international travelers. LaGuardia Airport has also reported delays exceeding one hour, while Newark International Airport is experiencing delays of approximately two hours and twenty minutes. These disruptions are attributed to heavy winds and adverse weather conditions associated with the ongoing winter storm.​
Widespread Flight Disruptions
The severe weather has had a cascading effect on air travel nationwide. As of midday Sunday, over 4,500 flights within, into, or out of the United States have been delayed, and 813 flights have been canceled, as reported by flight-tracking service FlightAware.
Major airports experiencing significant disruptions include:​
Broader Weather-Related Challenges
The winter storm is part of a larger weather system impacting various parts of the country. Kentucky has experienced heavy rains leading to flooding, resulting in at least two fatalities. Additionally, tornado watches have been issued in parts of Georgia and Florida, and potentially deadly freezing temperatures are affecting the Northern Plains, according to the National Weather Service.​
Airlines’ Response and Passenger Advisory
Airlines are actively working to manage the situation by rebooking passengers and issuing travel waivers. Travelers are advised to check the status of their flights before heading to the airport and to stay updated through official airline communications. The FAA continues to monitor the situation and provides real-time updates on air traffic operations.
Safety Precautions
Passengers are urged to exercise caution and stay informed about local weather conditions. It’s advisable to allow extra time for travel to and from airports, as ground transportation may also be affected by the severe weather.​
For the latest information on flight statuses and airport conditions, travelers can visit the FAA’s official website or consult their respective airlines. Staying informed and prepared can help mitigate the challenges posed by the current weather conditions.
Image: JFK Airport
