Airlines across the United States have canceled thousands of flights scheduled for Saturday and Sunday as a massive winter storm approaches, threatening to bring dangerous ice and snow to a wide swath of the country. The cancellations, which exceed 8,300 through the weekend, are primarily concentrated at airports in Texas and the South, where the storm is expected to have the most severe impact.
According to FlightAware data, over 2,300 flights within, into, or out of the U.S. are canceled for Saturday, with more than 4,600 cancellations already reported for Sunday. Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport is the hardest hit, with over 1,200 flights scrapped for Saturday alone, as airlines like Delta and American take preemptive measures to ensure passenger safety amid forecasted hazardous conditions. Other major airports in the region are also experiencing significant disruptions, with travelers urged to check flight statuses frequently.
The winter storm, which spans from New Mexico to Maine, is predicted to affect more than 180 million people, with meteorologists warning of significant icing in southern states and heavy snowfall in the Northeast. At least 18 states have declared states of emergency, including Texas, Arkansas, and New York, as authorities brace for potential power outages and treacherous travel conditions. The storm’s wide reach has prompted widespread preparations, from stockpiling supplies to issuing travel advisories.
In response, major airlines have issued widespread travel waivers, allowing customers to rebook flights without penalties. Delta has extended waivers for eastern U.S. cities, while American Airlines is offering free changes for flights through 34 affected airports. These policies aim to reduce airport chaos and provide flexibility for stranded travelers, with some carriers adding extra flights on Friday and Sunday to accommodate the surge.
The storm is set to begin on Friday afternoon, with the most severe impacts expected on Saturday and Sunday. Southern regions such as Dallas and Memphis may face freezing rain, while northern areas could receive over a foot of snow, complicating recovery efforts and prolonging travel disruptions. Detailed forecasts indicate that the storm will move eastward, bringing snow to the Northeast by Sunday afternoon.
Federal offices in the Washington, D.C. area will be closed on Monday, and local governments are urging residents to stock up on supplies and avoid unnecessary travel. Airlines are continuing to monitor conditions, with further cancellations likely as the storm progresses. Travelers are advised to monitor flight statuses through airline apps and local news outlets, with the full scope of the storm’s impact becoming clearer in the coming days.
The cancellations underscore the broader challenges of extreme weather on air travel infrastructure and highlight the need for proactive safety measures. As the storm unfolds, airlines and authorities are working to minimize disruptions, but the scale of the event suggests that recovery may take time, affecting both domestic and international travel plans.
