Winter storm cripples American Airlines, canceling 11,400 flights
A powerful winter storm that swept across the United States, from the South to the Northeast, brought air travel to a near standstill, resulting in the cancellation and delay of more than 11,400 flights. These severe weather conditions presented airlines and airport authorities with enormous logistical challenges, prompting the declaration of states of emergency in several regions to cope with the aftermath.
Record numbers of flight cancellations
Data from US flight tracking websites showed that the majority of scheduled flights yesterday were canceled at several major airports. LaGuardia Airport in New York topped the list with a 91% flight cancellation rate, equivalent to 436 canceled flights, leaving thousands of passengers stranded in terminals.
The situation in Philadelphia was no better, with 94% of flights canceled, representing 326 flights, reflecting the severity of the storm in the region. John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) in New York, a major international gateway, also saw 466 flights canceled, nearly 80% of its scheduled operations. In Washington, D.C., Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport was completely paralyzed, with all airlines canceling departures, resulting in approximately 421 canceled flights.
The domino effect on the air network
The storm's effects sometimes extended to major aviation hubs located outside its immediate path, due to the interconnectedness of flight networks. Major airports such as Dallas-Fort Worth, Charlotte, and Atlanta—home to some of the world's busiest airports—experienced significant disruptions, ranging from cancellations to delays. This type of disruption creates a domino effect, where grounded flights at Northeastern airports lead to their absence from subsequent flight schedules in other states, thus widening the crisis to encompass much of the country.
Safety and winter operating challenges
These widespread cancellations are in compliance with the strict safety standards imposed by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). During winter storms, aircraft require meticulous de-icing before takeoff, a process that is time-consuming and reduces runway capacity. Furthermore, reduced visibility and snow accumulation on runways pose a significant risk to the continuation of normal air operations, making cancellation the safest option, despite its high cost.
Seasonal context and its effects
The United States, particularly the East Coast, is accustomed to strong winter storms at this time of year, but the size and intensity of this storm, along with its simultaneous impact on several major transportation hubs, made it an exceptional event. Such storms typically result in millions of dollars in losses for airlines, as well as disruptions to air freight and supply chains, requiring several days after the storm to restore flight schedules and accommodate stranded passengers.
