US air travel severely hit: Winter storm disrupts Christmas travel, over 1,000 flights cancelled

PTC Web Desk: Holiday travel across the United States faced major disruption on Friday as airlines cancelled more than 1,000 flights amid warnings of a powerful winter storm bringing heavy snowfall and freezing temperatures to large parts of the Midwest and the Northeast.

Weather forecasts indicated that New York City could receive up to 10 inches of snow overnight, with sub-zero temperatures expected to persist through the weekend. The severe conditions added to travel chaos during one of the busiest travel periods of the year.

According to flight tracking service FlightAware, at least 1,191 flights were cancelled by 1 pm Eastern Time on Friday, while nearly 4,000 additional flights were delayed nationwide.

The US National Weather Service (NWS) said snowfall would continue across the upper Great Lakes region before the storm system shifts towards the Northeast. The agency cautioned travellers about hazardous road conditions, warning that journeys home after the holidays could be dangerous due to snow-covered and icy roads.

New York City Mayor Eric Adams confirmed that a winter storm warning had been issued and said municipal crews were on standby to clear roads and manage emergency conditions.

Airports in New York and Chicago were among the worst affected, topping FlightAware’s “Misery Map,” which tracks delays and cancellations across major airports. New York–area airports alone accounted for 785 cancelled flights.

With winter weather tightening its grip, authorities urged travellers to stay alert to changing forecasts and check flight and road conditions before heading out.