US Airlines Cancel Flights, Issue Waivers as Winter Storm Hits
U.S. airlines have canceled more than 1,000 flights as a powerful winter storm moves across large parts of the country, bringing heavy snow, sleet, and sharply colder temperatures that are disrupting air travel and prompting widespread schedule adjustments.
Airports in North Texas have been among the hardest hit so far, with operations significantly reduced at Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport and Dallas Love Field. Airlines serving the region have preemptively grounded flights to avoid stranding aircraft and crews, as icy conditions and limited runway availability threaten safe operations. Additional delays and cancellations are expected as the storm system continues to shift eastward.
Major U.S. carriers including American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, JetBlue Airways, Southwest Airlines, and United Airlines have introduced flexible travel policies in response to the disruptions. These waivers allow affected customers to change flights without paying rebooking fees or fare differences, provided the new travel dates fall within a specified window.
American Airlines, which operates a major hub at Dallas/Fort Worth, has canceled hundreds of flights as crews contend with freezing rain and snow accumulation. Southwest, which is headquartered in Dallas and relies heavily on Love Field, has also trimmed its schedule, citing safety concerns and the need to reposition aircraft away from the worst conditions. Delta, United, and JetBlue have adjusted operations across their networks to account for weather-related ripple effects beyond Texas, including inbound aircraft delays and crew displacement.
Airlines are urging travelers to check flight status frequently and take advantage of rebooking options before heading to the airport. Winter storms often create cascading disruptions, as aircraft delayed in one region can impact schedules nationwide. Even travelers flying to or from unaffected cities may experience delays due to aircraft and crew shortages elsewhere in the system.
The latest round of cancellations highlights the continued vulnerability of airline schedules to extreme weather, particularly during the winter travel season. While airlines have invested in more resilient operations and improved forecasting, large storms can still overwhelm airport infrastructure and force rapid adjustments.
With forecasters warning that the storm could affect additional airports over the coming days, carriers are expected to maintain flexible policies and proactively cancel flights to limit broader disruption. For passengers, the waivers provide some relief, but airlines continue to advise allowing extra time, monitoring conditions closely, and considering alternative travel plans as the storm progresses.
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Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com