Winter Storm Disrupts Travel: Over 2,000 Flights Canceled and Delayed Across Southern U.S.

Airlines Disrupted by Winter Storm in Southern U.S. Flights Canceled and Delayed Due to a massive winter storm affecting the Southern U.S., airlines were forced to cancel over 2,000 flights and delay more than 2,000 others on Friday. The storm created chaotic travel conditions for many passengers, with operations at major airports being significantly disrupted.

Evacuation Incident at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport

Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, the world's busiest airport and a primary hub for Delta Airlines, experienced a disturbing incident when a Delta Air Lines Boeing 757-300 was forced to halt takeoff due to an engine issue. The aircraft, carrying 201 passengers and seven crew members, had to evacuate on emergency slides. Delta Airlines reported that the flight crew followed established procedures to suspend the takeoff of flight 2668 from Atlanta (ATL) to Minneapolis-St. Paul (MSP) after an indication of an engine issue.

Impact on Atlanta's Flight Schedule

The storm had a significant impact on Atlanta's flight schedule, with nearly 900 flights to and from the airport, accounting for about 40% of the day's schedule, being canceled. In addition, over 400 flights were delayed, as reported by flight tracker FlightAware. To manage the situation, the airport implemented a ground stop, which temporarily halts flights bound for the airport from their origin.

Disruption at Other Airports

The storm also caused major disruptions at American Airlines' hubs, Dallas Fort Worth International Airport and Charlotte Douglas International Airport, where more than 1,000 flights to and from these airports were canceled. Snowfall in the area led to the cancelation of most flights at Dallas Fort Worth International Airport on Thursday.

Airlines Respond to the Storm's Impact

In response to the storm's impact, Delta, Southwest, American, and other airlines waived change fees and fare differences for affected passengers. The airlines emphasized their commitment to passenger safety and expressed apologies for the inconvenience caused by the storm. In summary, the recent winter storm in the Southern U.S. significantly disrupted air travel, leading to flight cancellations, delays, and evacuation incidents. The storm had a particularly severe impact on major airports, prompting airlines to take measures to support affected passengers and ensure their safety.