The powerful historical winter storm sweeping across much of the United States and parts of Canada triggered massive disruption to air travel on Sunday. It is expected to continue affecting flights into Monday, with cancellations reaching levels not seen since the COVID-19 pandemic.
The storm produces widespread heavy snow, sleet and freezing rain from the Southern Rockies through the Midwest and into the Northeast and New England. It creates dangerous travel conditions. It also slows recovery efforts at major airports.
The storm has prompted emergency declarations in 17 states and the District of Columbia, according to the Department of Homeland Security.
United States situation
U.S. airlines canceled more than 11,000 flights on Sunday, according to FlightAware, marking the highest number of daily cancellations in nearly six years and more than double the total recorded on Saturday. The impact is set to continue, with more than 2,400 additional U.S. flights already canceled for Monday as the storm pushes eastward.
Several airports were forced to suspend operations. Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport canceled all flights on Sunday, while LaGuardia Airport in New York shut down Sunday afternoon and plans to reopen early Monday after extensive snow removal. More than 90% of LaGuardia’s flights were canceled before the closure.
Airports in Dallas–Fort Worth, Atlanta, Charlotte and Philadelphia also experienced severe disruptions, with airlines operating reduced schedules and warning passengers of ongoing delays. In the Northeast, Boston Logan International Airport and Philadelphia International Airport remain open but are dealing with heavy cancellations and slow recovery as crews clear runways and aircraft.
According to FlightAware, the most affected airports on Sunday were both Washington Reagan National and Baltimore-Washington with a cancellation rate of respectively 99% and 97%. Raleigh Durham and Philadelphia reached a cancellation rate of 95% and 94% while Washington Dulles fared slightly better with a rate of “only” 87%. In New York, La Guardia was the most affected at 91% followed by Newark at 84% and JFK at 80%. More than 70% of flights in Pittsburgh and Cincinnati were cancelled while Boston showed a rate of 66%.
Canada situation
Canadian airports were better prepared : Toronto Pearson, Canada’s largest airport, experienced a cancellation rate of 56% and Montreal-Trudeau of only 24%. Halifax also had some 10% of its flights cancelled on Sunday but the three airports expect more cancellation this Monday. All the international gateways remain operational but are facing widespread delays due to snow, wind and de-icing requirements.
Airlines continue to urge travelers to check flight status directly before heading to the airport, warning that schedules may change rapidly as weather conditions evolve. All airlines in the USA and Canada are waiving change fees.
