The BRICS TimesWinter holidays began with Christmas in the US. However, air travel is causing major stress for passengers. US airlines have issued advisories urging travelers to stay alert.
US Airlines Cancel Over 1,000 Flights
Airlines in the US canceled over 1,000 flights on Friday, December 26. This happened despite the major holiday of Christmas. Severe storm warnings and heavy snowfall forecasts impacted many parts of the country. New York, the nation’s largest city, expected up to 10 inches of snow overnight. Temperatures were likely to drop below freezing point due to the storm.
Worst Impact Felt in New York
FlightAware data showed at least 1,191 flights were canceled by 1:00 p.m. on Friday. Furthermore, 3,974 flights experienced major delays. The worst disruption hit New York’s three main airports: LaGuardia, JFK, and Newark. These airports saw the highest number of flight cancellations. Boston and Detroit airports also caused significant trouble for many passengers. The National Weather Service (NWS) predicted heavy snow in the Upper Great Lakes area. The center of the storm is moving towards the northeast.
Warnings for Returning Holiday Travelers
News agency AFP reported warnings about dangerous road conditions. These warnings targeted travelers returning from their holidays across the US. New York Mayor Eric Adams issued a winter storm alert. City workers have been deployed to clear snow from the streets.
Airlines Advise Passengers to Stay Alert
US airline companies advised travelers to remain alert on the social media platform X. Airlines urged passengers to check their flight status. This should be done before heading to the airport to catch their flights. The NWS clearly warned that conditions are now extremely dangerous. This severe weather stretches from the Great Lakes to New England.
NYC and Chicago Airports Heavily Affected
FlightAware’s “Misery Map” highlighted New York and Chicago airports. These major hubs topped the list for flight delays and cancellations. The website noted that around 785 flights were canceled. This massive grounding occurred at the New York area airports. This was done following the warning issued by the National Weather Service (NWS).
