US Winter Storm Chaos: Over 10,000 Flights Cancelled in a Day
A severe winter storm paralysed US air travel on Sunday, forcing airlines to cancel more than 10,000 flights. Major hubs like Chicago, Denver, and Minneapolis were crippled by heavy snow and freezing temperatures, causing nationwide travel chaos.
Key Airports Hit Hardest
The storm system sweeping the Midwest and Plains led airlines to cancel flights preemptively for safety. Chicago O’Hare International Airport and Denver International Airport faced the brunt, with massive delays and cancellations persisting all day.
Travelers Stranded, Network Disrupted for Days
Thousands of passengers were stranded as airlines scrambled to find alternative flights. Many faced overnight stays at airports with limited accommodation options. The disruption is expected to last several days as carriers work to reposition aircraft and crew across the network.
Authorities have also issued warnings for hazardous road conditions. The National Weather Service reported several inches of snow, with more forecast. Airlines are advising passengers to check flight statuses online and are offering fee waivers for rebooking.
This massive disruption during a busy travel period has compounded frustrations. The scale of the cancellations underscores how vulnerable air travel infrastructure remains to extreme winter weather.
