Bad news for flyers this week as thousands of flights were canceled or delayed as severe storms swept across the eastern United States.
According to the National Weather Service, powerful thunderstorms fueled by a strong cold front created dangerous flying conditions. The Federal Aviation Administration slowed down or temporarily stopped flights at several airports along the East Coast, resulting in thousands of cancellations and delays across the country in more than 50 airports.
Hundreds of flights at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport were disrupted on Monday, March 16, because of the weather.
Major airlines like American Airlines and Delta Air Lines issued travel waivers so passengers can rebook their flights without extra fees.
The Federal Aviation Administration was closely monitoring conditions and issued ground delays at several busy hubs to prevent aircraft from flying into severe weather. These safety measures, while necessary, caused a ripple effect throughout the national air travel system.
East Coast storms can still affect flights to and from Phoenix, as many planes operate between the city and airports in the affected regions. If a plane scheduled to fly from Fresh York, Chicago or Washington, D.C., to Phoenix is delayed or canceled due to storms there, the return flight from Phoenix may also be delayed or canceled.
Why are flights being cancelled today?
Flights were canceled mainly because severe thunderstorms are moving across the eastern United States. The National Weather Service reports a powerful weather system is pushing a strong cold front from the Great Lakes toward the East Coast, creating conditions for intense thunderstorms, heavy rain, strong winds and even possible tornadoes, especially in parts of the Mid-Atlantic.
Phoenix flight cancellations
As of 3:30 p.m. March 16, 66 flights were canceled and 439 flights were delayed at Sky Harbor, according to FlightAware.
Most of the cancellations were flights to or from Chicago O’Hare International Airport, John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York City, Philadelphia International Airport and Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport.
Why are so many American Airlines flights cancelled?
Several airlines canceled flights due to severe storms affecting the eastern United States. Based on flight-tracking data from FlightAware, the airlines with the most cancellations nationwide included the following:
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are flights being cancelled?
Flights were canceled mainly because severe thunderstorms are moving across the eastern United States.
How many flights were disrupted at Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport?
As of 3:30 p.m. March 16, 66 flights were canceled and 439 flights were delayed at Sky Harbor.
Which airlines are offering travel waivers?
American Airlines and Delta Air Lines have issued travel waivers so passengers can rebook their flights without extra fees.
As weather patterns continue to evolve, will more disruptions occur for travelers across the country?
