New York: A powerful winter storm disrupted air travel across the United States on Friday, forcing airlines to cancel more than 1,000 flights during the busy post Christmas travel period.
Flight tracking data showed over 1,000 cancellations and several thousand delays as heavy snow and icy conditions spread across parts of the Midwest, Great Lakes and the Northeast. Major airports including New York, Boston, Chicago and Detroit were among the worst affected.
Airlines including JetBlue and Delta Air Lines reported a high number of cancellations as crews struggled with snow covered runways, poor visibility and aircraft de icing delays. Regional carriers were also impacted as weather conditions worsened through the day.
The US National Weather Service issued winter storm warnings across large parts of the country, cautioning residents about heavy snowfall, strong winds and dangerous travel conditions. Millions of people were placed under weather alerts as the storm moved eastward.
Airlines advised passengers to check flight updates regularly and prepare for continued disruptions into the weekend as severe weather conditions persist.