Delta Air Lines faced several setbacks throughout December. It started with a major network outage at Detroit Metropolitan Airport earlier this month, leading to delays and cancellations.
The problems continued. Delta saw its flights completely halted at its main New York hubs after the FAA issued a ground shutdown due to winter conditions. Once again, the result was massive delays and cancellations for the airline.
Flight disruptions are expected to continue on Boxing Day. Again, the main reason is due to winter conditions in the Northeast. Delta has announced travel advisories for affected cities.
Here’s a closer look at how Delta responded to the major storm and how affected airports have already pivoted, announcing cancellations on various departing and arriving flights.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul advises passengers to rearrange travel plans due to heavy snowfall
New York is bracing for one of the biggest snowfalls in years. Southeast New York could see 5 to 7 inches of snow Friday. Snowfall is expected to begin late Friday afternoon and end early Saturday.
In the event New York City sees more than four inches of snow, it would be the largest accumulation dating back to January 2022, according to the New York Times.
Complications are expected, given that Boxing Day is one of the busiest travel days of the year.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul is advising New Yorkers to rearrange their travel plans if possible to avoid complications.
With more than 15 million travelers expected at John F. Kennedy International, Newark Liberty International and LaGuardia airports throughout the holiday season, major airports have already taken precautions for the conditions ahead.
John F. Kennedy International Airport is currently experiencing the highest number of Boxing Day cancellations in the world for both departing and arriving flights. The airport announced 124 cancellations of departing flights and 173 cancellations of arriving flights, according to Aware of theft.
Newark Liberty Airport has 147 cancellations for arriving and departing flights so far, while LaGuardia has 79 cancellations for arriving flights and 41 cancellations for departing flights. These numbers are expected to increase throughout the day, particularly in the afternoon. The same goes for delays.
Since Delta Air Lines has the most flights to LaGuardia Airport and John F. Kennedy Airport, cancellations are expected from the airline on Boxing Day.
Delta has already confirmed more than 150 cancellations and issued a ticket advisory for affected passengers.
Delta Air Lines issued a winter weather warning for the Northeast for its largest hubs
Delta Air Lines has responded to the Northeast’s winter weather conditions. On its traveler information page, the airline offered rebooking options for passengers in affected cities.
The airline wrote: “Due to expected snow conditions, travel to, from or via the destinations listed below may be affected. Check flight statuses frequently for up-to-date information on your flight plans, or receive updates directly to your mobile device or via email with a one-time notification.
|
Delta Air Lines Affected Cities: |
|---|
|
New York, New York (JFK) |
|
New York, New York (LGA) |
|
Newark, NJ (EWR) |
|
Philadelphia, PA (PHL) |
|
White Plains, New York (HPN) |
Affected travel dates include December 26 and 27. Delta states that tickets must be reissued by December 30. Additionally, modified trips must begin no later than December 30.
Delta Air Lines has already canceled several flights for Friday, and that number is expected to increase throughout the day and into the weekend on Saturday.
Delta Air Lines has already canceled 159 flights
As of early Friday morning, Delta Air Lines had the highest number of flight cancellations in the world, currently at 159. Republic has 97 cancellations, while Endeavor Air (DAL) has 75 cancellations.
As for other major US airlines, United Airlines has 25 canceled flights, while American Airlines has only seven.
Numbers may increase for Delta Air Lines throughout the day, particularly in the afternoon and evening. Delays may also impact its flights throughout the day. The carrier is currently at 66 delays.
Yesterday, on Christmas, Delta Air Lines recorded the most cancellations among U.S. carriers, with 48. The airline ranked second behind Japan Air Commuter for the most cancellations worldwide. The Japanese airline ended the day with one more cancellation than Delta.
