The aviation sector in the United States faced widespread disruptions coinciding with the Christmas holiday, as a severe snowstorm paralyzed air traffic, leading to the cancellation and postponement of thousands of flights, leaving thousands of passengers stranded at airports.
Shocking figures and losses at a critical time
According to data from FlightAware, a website specializing in tracking flight traffic, at least 1,191 flights were canceled and another 3,974 were delayed as of Friday evening GMT. These disruptions come at a crucial time, as US airports typically experience peak annual traffic during the holiday season, compounding the difficulties for travelers planning vacations with their families.
Storm path and its impact on major cities
The National Weather Service issued severe warnings of heavy snowfall, particularly in the Great Lakes region, as the storm moved northeast across the United States. These areas are a major hub for domestic and international air travel.
In New York, the largest and most populous city in the United States, attention is focused on a sharp drop in temperatures, with forecasts of bitter cold and heavy snowfall overnight. These weather conditions have directly impacted major airports in New York and Chicago, with one tracking website reporting the cancellation of 785 flights in New York alone, reflecting the extent of the damage to transportation infrastructure on the East Coast.
Authorities' response and emergency measures
In a swift response to the deteriorating weather conditions, New York City Mayor Eric Adams declared a citywide alert, directing emergency crews and snow removal equipment to ensure the safety of major roads. These measures are part of local authorities' efforts to reduce traffic accidents, which often accompany such storms due to vehicles skidding and reduced visibility.
The effects of winter storms on aviation infrastructure
Logistically, snowstorms hitting the Midwest and Northeast are a nightmare for airlines. Airports in these regions, such as Chicago's O'Hare and New York's John F. Kennedy and LaGuardia airports, are crucial hubs for the U.S. aviation network. When operations at these hubs grind to a halt, a domino effect occurs, impacting flights in other states far removed from the storm due to delayed arrivals of aircraft or crews.
Experts always warn that recovery from such disruptions can take days, as airlines need to reschedule flights and provide alternative seats for stranded passengers, something that is made more difficult when planes are already full during the holiday season.
Traveler tips
Authorities and the meteorological service urged travelers, both by air and land, to exercise extreme caution. Travelers are advised to check their flight status on official airline apps before heading to airports to avoid long waits, and motorists are advised to avoid highways in storm-affected areas unless absolutely necessary.
