Thousands of flights across the United States were cancelled or delayed as a severe winter storm threatened heavy snowfall in several regions, disrupting travel during one of the busiest holiday periods of the year.
According to flight-tracking website FlightAware, nearly 1,600 flights were cancelled and more than 7,400 delayed nationwide by Friday night (December 26). The U.S. National Weather Service issued a winter storm warning from 4:00 p.m. Friday through 1:00 p.m. Saturday local time, forecasting up to nine inches of snow in parts of New York and southern Connecticut.
Major airports in the New York metropolitan area—including John F. Kennedy International, Newark Liberty, and LaGuardia—were among the worst affected. Flight disruptions were also reported at airports in Boston, Chicago, and Toronto, Canada.
Several airlines announced large-scale cancellations. JetBlue Airways cancelled 229 flights, while Delta Air Lines scrapped 241 flights. Republic Airways and Southwest Airlines cancelled 180 and 151 flights respectively. American Airlines and United Airlines each cancelled around 100 scheduled flights.
Airports and airlines advised passengers via social media to check the latest flight status directly with their carriers before traveling.
The heaviest snowfall was expected between 6:00 p.m. and midnight local time. Drivers were warned of hazardous road conditions and advised to carry emergency supplies. New York Governor Kathy Hochul urged residents to avoid unnecessary travel, while stressing advance planning for those who must travel. Similar warnings were issued by the governors of New Jersey and Connecticut.
This storm is expected to be New York City’s second major snowfall of the season, following several inches of snow earlier this month. City authorities have prepared snowplows to begin clearing roads once snowfall reaches two inches.
