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Winter Storm Blair Disrupts U.S. Travel with Thousands of Flight Cancellations
Winter Storm Blair unleashed heavy snow and freezing rain across the U.S. on Sunday, January 5, 2025, causing widespread travel disruptions, including thousands of flight cancellations and delays. The storm, which blanketed the Central Plains, Midwest, and parts of the East Coast, has created hazardous conditions and left travelers scrambling to adjust their plans.
According to FlightAware, a flight tracking service, 1,811 flights were canceled and 8,501 were delayed across U.S. airports on Sunday. Major hubs such as Kansas City International Airport (MCI), St. Louis Lambert International Airport (STL), Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport (DFW), and Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) experienced triple-digit cancellations. American Airlines reported the highest percentage of delays at 33%, followed by Southwest Airlines (31%), United Airlines (30%), and Delta Air Lines (25%).
Southwest Airlines led in cancellations with 392 flights scrapped, representing 9% of its schedule. American Airlines canceled 274 flights (7%), United Airlines 124 (4%), and Delta Air Lines 81 (2%). Major airlines have issued travel advisories, allowing passengers to rebook without fare differences, though the number of covered airports varies. American Airlines’ advisory includes 46 airports, while Delta’s covers 20.
Travelers are advised to act quickly to rebook flights, as early rebooking offers the best options. Flight disruptions often cascade throughout the day, as airlines reuse planes for multiple flights. A delayed or canceled flight can impact subsequent flights, creating a ripple effect. Tools like FlightAware’s