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Key Facts

  • ✓ Major US airports reported more than 1,029 delays and 351 cancellations
  • ✓ JFK International Airport experienced 369 cancellations and 210 delays
  • ✓ Los Angeles experienced its wettest Christmas season in 54 years
  • ✓ San Francisco International Airport reported 381 delayed flights by midday

Quick Summary

Major US airports are reporting widespread flight disruptions the day after Christmas due to severe weather conditions affecting both coasts. According to real-time tracking data, there have been over 1,029 delays and 351 cancellations at major airports.

The East Coast is currently facing heavy snowfall moving toward the Northeast, while the West Coast is recovering from record rainfall and high winds. Travelers in New York, Los Angeles, and San Francisco are experiencing the brunt of these delays as storms impact flight schedules nationwide.

East Coast Winter Storms

A major storm system that first impacted the Midwest is now moving toward the East Coast, bringing significant winter weather to New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania. New York City is set to see the most snow it has experienced in years, with the last accumulation of at least 4 inches occurring in January 2022.

The NYC Emergency Management agency stated in a press release that "snow is expected to develop Friday afternoon and intensify into steady, accumulating snow Friday night." The National Weather Service forecasts 3 to 7 inches of snow, with locally higher amounts possible.

Airports in the region are heavily affected:

"snow is expected to develop Friday afternoon and intensify into steady, accumulating snow Friday night"

— NYC Emergency Management

West Coast Recovery Efforts

The West Coast is slowly recovering from an exceptionally wet Christmas season. Most residents of California received at least one weather warning over the past two days as an atmospheric river brought high winds, floods, and mudslides to the state.

The National Weather Service noted that this Christmas season is the wettest Los Angeles has experienced in 54 years. Air travel remains significantly impacted:

  • Los Angeles International Airport reported 283 delays and 41 cancellations
  • San Francisco International Airport saw 153 flights delayed Friday morning due to windy conditions
  • SFO delays reached a total of 381 by midday

Disruptions at Los Angeles International Airport are affecting flights to Seattle, Salt Lake City, Denver, and the East Coast.

A Turbulent Year for Air Travel

These latest disruptions mark the end of a difficult year for the aviation industry. Travelers have faced a series of high-profile incidents that have shaken confidence in air travel.

Earlier this year, high-profile plane accidents, including an American Airlines flight crashing into a Black Hawk helicopter, triggered fear among some Americans. Additionally, the firing of hundreds of FAA employees by the White House DOGE office created operational concerns.

The industry also dealt with a government shutdown this year, which led to flying snags as air traffic controllers who were left without pay called in sick, resulting in some airports becoming paralyzed.