A fierce winter storm named Devin slammed into the United States over the busy post-Christmas travel weekend, turning a peak holiday return into chaos for air travellers. The storm brought heavy snow, freezing rain, and strong winds to much of the Northeast, grounding flights and leaving thousands of passengers stuck at major airports.
Airports in and around New York City, Philadelphia, Boston, and even Orlando saw widespread cancellations and delays. The disruption has affected families, business travellers, and people trying to get home after Christmas gatherings.
Record Flight Cancellations and Delays
The winter blast caused at least 1,802 flights to be cancelled and more than 22,000 to be delayed across the country. Officials said the worst of the cancellations hit John F. Kennedy International (JFK), Newark Liberty (EWR), and LaGuardia (LGA) in the New York area, where snowfall reached heavy levels.
Other airports in Philadelphia and Boston also reported severe delays and cancellations due to snow and icy runways. Even Orlando International Airport (MCO), far from the storm’s core, saw travel disruptions as airlines struggled to reposition crews and planes.
Why Did Weather Hit Travel So Hard?
This storm struck when millions of Americans were heading home after holiday celebrations. The National Weather Service warned of up to 9 inches of snow in parts of the Northeast, making runways unsafe and disrupting flight operations.
With roads icy and visibility low, airline operations slowed as crews battled to de-ice aircraft and clear runways. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issued airspace advisories that added to delays.
Major Airports Most Affected
- New York Airports: JFK, LGA, and EWR saw the greatest number of cancelled flights. Snow forecasts of several inches forced airlines to stop flights early to protect passenger safety.
- Philadelphia (PHL): Ice and sleet led to delayed takeoffs and landings.
- Boston Logan (BOS): Though slightly outside the storm’s core, Logan experienced secondary delays as airlines reworked schedules.
- Orlando (MCO): Serves as a hub for redirected flights that were delayed or cancelled earlier in the day.
What Travellers Are Facing?
Passengers described long lines at customer service, full terminals, and hours spent waiting for updates or new flight times. Some flights were pushed back by more than 18 hours as airlines scrambled to adjust.
Many travellers used hotel stays or looked for alternate travel days, especially those with flights booked for the days after the storm hit.
Airlines and Authorities Respond
In response, major airlines like JetBlue, Delta, American, and United announced that change fees for affected passengers. Airports issue real-time updates so travellers can track flight statuses. Many urged flyers to check their airline notifications before heading to the airport.
Tips for Affected Travellers
- Check Flight Status: Use airline apps or airport websites before leaving home or your hotel.
- Expect Delays: Even after the snow ends, disruptions can continue for days.
- Plan Alternate Routes: Consider later flights or different airports if possible.
Why This Storm Matters?
This year’s holiday travel was already expected to break records. When extreme weather hit at a peak travel moment, the result was a cascading effect, not just lost flights, but missed connections and strained airline resources.
More travel disruptions are possible as crews work to recover from the storm. Passengers should stay informed and flexible as conditions continue to change.
