Winter Storm Wreaks Havoc on Air Travel
Thousands of Flights Canceled and Delayed Across the Southern US
A powerful winter storm brought air travel to a standstill on Friday, with over 3,000 flights canceled and more than 3,000 others delayed across the Southern United States. The storm’s impact was felt particularly strongly at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, the world’s busiest airport and a major hub for Delta Air Lines.
Engine Issue Forces Emergency Evacuation
In a dramatic incident, a Delta Air Lines Boeing 757-300 was forced to halt takeoff at Atlanta Airport due to an engine issue. All 201 passengers and seven crew members on board were evacuated using emergency slides. The Federal Aviation Administration has launched an investigation into the incident.
Delta’s Response
“Nothing is more important than the safety of our people and customers,” said Delta in a statement. “We apologize to our customers for their experience and are working to support them and get them to their destinations as safely and quickly as possible.”
Atlanta Airport Disrupted
The storm’s impact on Atlanta Airport was severe, with over 1,000 flights to and from the airport canceled and more than 400 others delayed. A ground stop was put in place, halting flights bound for the airport at their origin to prevent overwhelming the facility.
Other Airports Affected
American Airlines’ hubs at Dallas Fort Worth International Airport and Charlotte Douglas International Airport were also heavily affected by the storm, with over 1,200 flights to and from these airports canceled. Most flights at DFW were canceled on Thursday as the storm dumped snow in the area.
Airlines Offer Flexibility
In response to the severe weather, Delta, Southwest, American, and other carriers waived change fees and fare differences to help passengers affected by the storm.
Travel Disruptions Continue
As the storm continues to affect air travel, passengers are advised to check with their airlines for the latest updates and to plan accordingly. With thousands of flights canceled and delayed, it’s essential to stay informed to minimize disruptions to your travel plans.
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