Flight cancellations today top 11,000 amid winter storm, the most in a single day since COVID pandemic

Flight cancellations skyrocketed on Sunday as a dangerous winter storm swept across the United States, causing chaos for travelers. According to FlightAware.com, more than 11,000 U.S. flights were canceled on Sunday, marking the highest number of cancellations in a single day since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. This number was nearly triple the amount of flights canceled on Saturday.

The National Weather Service reported that the storm brought heavy snow, sleet, and freezing rain from the Southern Rockies to New England, leading to treacherous flying conditions. As a result, more than 3,700 U.S. flights have already been canceled for Monday, further exacerbating travel disruptions.

In major cities like Washington, D.C., and New York, airports were forced to shut down due to the severe weather conditions. Ronald Reagan National Airport in D.C. announced that all flights were canceled on Sunday, urging passengers to stay home and avoid icy roads. Similarly, LaGuardia Airport in New York closed in the afternoon due to the snow and anticipated reopening the following morning after canceling over 90% of its flights.

Even before the storm hit North Texas, flight cancellations were already piling up at airports in the area. Dallas Fort Worth International Airport announced reduced flight operations on Sunday and advised travelers to check their flight status with airlines as schedules could change. Airports in Atlanta, Charlotte, and Philadelphia also braced for disruptions as the winter storm made its way across the country.

Flight tracking service Flightradar24 reported that American Airlines was the most impacted carrier over the weekend, followed by United and Delta. To mitigate the impact on travelers, major U.S. airlines issued travel waivers, allowing customers to change their plans without penalty due to the storm.

As the winter storm continues to wreak havoc on air travel, passengers are advised to stay updated on their flight status and take necessary precautions to ensure their safety. The travel industry continues to navigate the challenges posed by inclement weather, working to minimize disruptions and assist affected passengers.

Contributors Kathryn Krupnik and Sarah Ploss contributed to this report.