Northeast Struggles as Over One-Third of US Flights Canceled
As of today, over one-third of U.S. flights have been canceled due to severe weather conditions, primarily impacting the Northeast. According to aviation analytics firm Cirium, approximately 37.5% of all departing flights have been affected, equating to over 9,000 cancellations.
Flight Cancellations and Their Impact
The frequency of cancellations is not a record compared to previous years. During the early stages of the pandemic on March 30, 2020, 12,143 flights were canceled, representing 53% of the scheduled departures. Today, the cancellations primarily stem from inclement weather, including freezing rain and snow.
Cancellations by Region
The Northeast has been particularly hard hit. Key statistics show:
- 90% of flights at Washington’s National Airport canceled.
- Similar cancellation rates at Washington Dulles.
- JFK, LaGuardia, and Newark airports each saw an 83% cancellation rate.
- Charlotte reported an 83% cancellation rate.
- Philadelphia experienced the highest impact, with 93% of flights canceled.
Airline Affected Statistics
Different airlines reported varying levels of cancellations:
| Airline | Flights Cancelled | Cancellation Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| JetBlue | 654 | 76.15% |
| American | 5,573 | 57.44% |
| Delta | 4,601 | 47.45% |
| United | 4,240 | 40.83% |
| Frontier | 596 | 32.21% |
| Allegiant | 416 | 27.88% |
| Spirit | 448 | 17.41% |
| Alaska | 1,119 | 7.86% |
| Southwest | 3,762 | 7.18% |
JetBlue has seen the highest cancellations, particularly since it operates extensively in the Northeast. The impact is felt across the airline network as cancellations disrupt the movement of planes and crews.
Weather Conditions and Travel Disruptions
Severe weather continues to affect travel plans nationwide. In Austin, Texas, for example, overnight temperatures dropped below freezing, complicating road travel and leading to school closures. The National Weather Service reported incidents of sleet and freezing rain.
Travelers are advised to monitor updates before heading to the airport as conditions remain unpredictable. With numerous flights already canceled, those planning to fly in the coming days should be prepared for further disruptions.
