Northeast Airports Grounded by Powerful Winter Storm
Major U.S. airports in the Northeast see thousands of flights canceled as a winter storm disrupts air travel, stranding passengers and causing delays.
Thousands of flights were canceled at major airports in the Northeast on Sunday and Monday as a powerful winter storm slammed the region, bringing heavy snow, strong winds, and icy conditions. The storm forced the closure of runways and terminals, causing widespread travel chaos for both domestic and international passengers.
The storm hit the Northeast just as many people were returning home from the Thanksgiving holiday weekend, exacerbating the disruption. Airports in New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania were hit particularly hard, with Newark Liberty International Airport, LaGuardia Airport, and Philadelphia International Airport all seeing significant cancellations and delays.
At Newark Liberty International Airport, more than 1,000 flights were canceled on Sunday and Monday as snow covered the runways. Officials worked around the clock to clear the snow and ice, but the sheer volume of precipitation made it difficult to keep up.
"It's been a very challenging situation," said Steve Coleman, a spokesman for the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, which operates the region's major airports. "Our teams are working 24/7 to get the airports back up and running, but the weather has been relentless."
The storm also impacted air travel in other parts of the Northeast, including Boston's Logan International Airport and airports in Pennsylvania. At Philadelphia International Airport, more than 1,000 flights were canceled on Sunday and Monday as the airport struggled to keep its runways clear.
"We're seeing a lot of frustrated passengers, and rightfully so," said Stephanie Wear, a spokeswoman for the Philadelphia airport. "This storm has caused a lot of disruption, and we're doing our best to get everyone back on their way as soon as possible."
The storm is expected to continue impacting air travel in the Northeast through Tuesday, with more flight cancellations and delays likely. Travelers are advised to check with their airlines for the latest information on flight status and to plan for potential disruptions.
Source: The New York Times
