A severe winter storm, dubbed Winter Storm Fern, wreaked havoc across much of the United States this past Sunday, leaving over one million residents without power, claiming at least 25 lives, and resulting in nearly 20,000 flight cancellations. The Department of Transportation (DOT) announced that it expects air travel to return to normal by midweek as conditions improve.
On Sunday alone, over 5,000 flights were delayed, while Monday saw an additional 4,500 cancellations and nearly 2,500 delays, according to data from NPR. The storm deposited more than 2.5 feet (76 cm) of snow in several states, particularly affecting the Eastern U.S. and regions across the Mississippi River, where at least one foot of snow fell.
Impact on Air Travel
The scale of cancellations marked the most significant disruption in air travel since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. For context, on March 30, 2020, nearly half of all scheduled departures within the U.S. were canceled. In contrast, this past weekend, major airlines faced significant challenges, with American Airlines canceling approximately 25% of its scheduled departures and JetBlue canceling nearly half of its flights on Monday.
While no emergencies involving commercial aircraft were reported, a private flight operating a Bombardier Challenger 650 tragically crashed at Bangor International Airport (BGR) in Maine on Sunday. This aircraft was carrying between nine and 11 passengers. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has initiated an investigation, collaborating with the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). According to Bangor Airport police Sergeant Jeremy Brock, all individuals aboard are presumed deceased.
Widespread Power Outages and Weather Challenges
The storm’s impact extended beyond air travel, leading to widespread power outages that spanned from East Texas to the southeastern states, including Louisiana, Mississippi, Tennessee, Kentucky, Virginia, and Georgia. The National Weather Service (NWS) continues to warn of frigid temperatures across more than half of the Eastern states this week, with heavy snow still falling in the Northeast.
Despite the severe conditions, major airports, including Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA), did not report significant power outages, thanks to resilient infrastructure designed to withstand extreme weather. Nonetheless, DCA effectively closed on Sunday, and LaGuardia Airport (LGA) grounded approximately 90% of its flights, while Baltimore Washington International Airport (BWI) and Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) experienced similar cancellation rates.
While many customers have had their power restored since the peak of the storm, some areas remain without assistance. States that are not accustomed to such heavy snowfall often lack the infrastructure and equipment necessary for rapid response. In contrast, states with historically harsh winters, such as Massachusetts, are taking precautions, as they reported around 20 inches of snow.
The conditions made flying particularly hazardous. Ice or frost on aircraft wings disrupts airflow, impacting lift and increasing drag. Even minor frost can prevent an aircraft from taking off at normal speeds or cause it to stall shortly after departure. Low visibility caused by heavy snowfall and freezing fog further complicates pilots’ ability to take off and land safely.
Airlines employ several strategies to manage winter weather challenges. Major hubs activate Emergency Operations Centers (EOCs) to coordinate snow removal and resources. To alleviate terminal congestion, airlines have waived change and cancellation fees, encouraging passengers to reschedule their travel plans.
Aircraft must be cleared of all snow, ice, or frost before takeoff. De-icing teams utilize heated fluids to remove contaminants, but this process is time-sensitive. If a plane cannot take off within approximately 15 minutes after de-icing, it must undergo the procedure again. Many airports faced challenges as the rate of snowfall and icing exceeded the capabilities of ground crews, leading to delays and cancellations.
As the weather improves, the DOT remains optimistic that flight operations will stabilize, providing relief for stranded travelers and restoring normalcy to the skies.
