Severe travel disruptions are impacting thousands of passengers across major U.S. cities. Today, various airlines, including Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and SkyWest are experiencing a significant number of operational challenges. These challenges have resulted in 95 flight cancellations and over 3,300 delays, particularly affecting key airports in New York, Phoenix, Seattle, Minneapolis, and San Diego.
Current Status of Airline Disruptions
The total disruptions in U.S. air travel have reached alarming levels. Reports indicate that 3,332 delays and 95 cancellations have occurred within, into, or out of the country today. Passengers traveling through major airports are advised to stay updated on their flight statuses, as the situation remains fluid.
Airports Affected by Delays and Cancellations
Multiple airports are grappling with significant delays due to various factors. Here’s a summary of the major airports experiencing disruptions:
- Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR): Average delays of 35 minutes are reported, mainly due to heavy airport volume.
- Minneapolis/St. Paul International Airport (MSP): Deicing operations have led to substantial delays, typical for winter weather.
- Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX): Departure delays averaging 15 minutes are linked to terminal capacity issues.
- San Diego International Airport (SAN): Ground delays of approximately 27 minutes are affecting operations due to high traffic.
- Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA): Average departure delays are around 30 minutes due to high passenger demand.
- Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC): Delays are ongoing as deicing measures continue during winter weather conditions.
- Teterboro Airport (TEB): Wind conditions are creating delays, averaging around 30 minutes, though conditions are improving.
Statistics on Delays and Cancellations
| Airport | Cancellations | Delays |
|---|---|---|
| Newark (EWR) | 0 | 35 minutes |
| Minneapolis (MSP) | 0 | Deicing delays |
| Phoenix (PHX) | 0 | 15 minutes |
| San Diego (SAN) | 0 | 27 minutes |
| Seattle (SEA) | 0 | 30 minutes |
| Salt Lake City (SLC) | 0 | Ongoing deicing |
| Teterboro (TEB) | 0 | 30 minutes |
Airlines Facing Operational Challenges
Several major airlines are contributing to the current travel turmoil. Below is a breakdown of disruptions by airline:
- Alaska Airlines: 15 cancellations, 109 delays
- American Airlines: 1 cancellation, 281 delays
- Delta Air Lines: 14 cancellations, 257 delays
- SkyWest: 12 cancellations, 271 delays
- Southwest: 2 cancellations, 393 delays
Steps for Affected Passengers
Travelers can take several steps to mitigate the impact of delays and cancellations:
- Stay Informed: Regularly check your flight status through airline apps or customer service.
- Expect Delays: Anticipate longer waiting times and arrive early at the airport.
- Prepare for Ground Delays: Bring snacks and entertainment to help pass the time.
- Check for Alternative Flights: If your flight is canceled, consult your airline for rebooking options.
These travel disruptions underscore the ongoing challenges of managing air travel during high demand periods and adverse weather conditions. Travelers are encouraged to remain flexible and prepared as they navigate these ongoing disruptions.
