Top Weather Conditions That Can Delay or Cancel Your Flight
Flight delays and cancellations are often tied to weather conditions, with a significant majority caused by atmospheric factors. According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), over 75 percent of air traffic delays of 15 minutes or more are attributed to weather-related issues, including low visibility, hail, high winds, and thunderstorms. Knowing which weather conditions are most likely to disrupt your travel can help you better prepare and manage expectations.
Who Decides on Flight Delays or Cancellations Due to Weather?
The decision to delay or cancel flights due to weather is a multi-agency process. Jennifer Stroozas, the warning coordination meteorologist at the Aviation Weather Center (AWC), explains that the process is a collaboration between the AWC, the FAA, and individual airlines. The AWC, based in Kansas City, Missouri, analyzes weather conditions and issues advisories. These advisories are sent to the FAA Command Center in Warrenton, Virginia, which uses the information to manage air traffic and make decisions on flight delays and rerouting. Individual airports make the final call on whether to cancel flights based on their specific conditions and equipment.
Weather Conditions That Most Impact Air Travel
Several weather conditions are known to significantly disrupt flights:
- Thunderstorms and Lightning: Thunderstorms can cause severe turbulence and pose risks such as hail damage to aircraft. Airlines and air traffic controllers work to avoid these storms to ensure passenger safety, leading to potential delays.
- Winter Storms: Snow and ice accumulation on runways can make takeoff and landing dangerous. Additionally, aircraft require de-icing in cold conditions, which can cause substantial delays. Icing can also affect aircraft performance, making winter storms a critical concern.
- Hurricanes and Tropical Storms: These storms bring powerful winds, heavy rain, and flooding, which can disrupt air travel significantly. The extensive damage and hazardous conditions often result in widespread flight cancellations and delays.
- Fog: Dense fog reduces visibility, complicating the ability of pilots to take off and land safely. Poor visibility can make navigation difficult, leading to potential delays or cancellations.
Regional Impact of Weather Events
The impact of weather on air travel can vary greatly depending on location. A major storm in a key air traffic hub can cause disruptions across the entire country. For example, on June 26, 2023, powerful storms in the Northeast led to over 11,000 delays and cancellations. Airports in regions unaccustomed to certain weather conditions, such as a rare snowstorm in a southern city, may face severe disruptions due to a lack of appropriate equipment and preparedness.
Travel expert Katy Nastro from Going points out that even minor weather issues in one region can create a domino effect nationwide. For instance, freezing rain in a typically warm city like Charleston can lead to significant operational problems, even if the aircraft itself is capable of handling such conditions mid-flight.
In conclusion, while you may not be able to influence the weather, understanding how it affects air travel can help you prepare for potential delays or cancellations and navigate the challenges more effectively.
Related news: https://airguide.info/category/air-travel-business/safety/
Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, Aviation Weather Center (AWC)