Severe weather across the United States on Saturday caused significant disruptions to air travel, with thousands of flights delayed or canceled as many travelers returned home after the holidays.
Data from FlightAware indicated that over 7,000 flights in, into, or out of the United States were delayed, while more than 200 flights were canceled by Saturday afternoon.
Although the delays were not as severe as those experienced on Thursday or Friday, many passengers reported issues, including missed connections and extended waiting times.
FlightAware reported that 45 percent of flights from Dallas Fort Worth International Airport and 46 percent from George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston were delayed. Additionally, about one-third of flights at Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport in Atlanta faced delays, and New York's Kennedy International Airport saw average delays exceeding two hours.
Inclement weather or the threat of it was affecting various regions across the country. In the West, heavy rain and snow warnings were issued due to significant moisture in the atmosphere. The South faced severe storms, with tornado risks, and reports of tornadoes in the Houston area on Saturday. A storm system approaching the Northeast also posed threats of rain and snow.
Travel from Texas was particularly challenging. Dallas Fort Worth International Airport, a major hub for American Airlines, continued to experience scheduling issues stemming from earlier bad weather and a technical glitch that had grounded flights. Ongoing dense fog and storms contributed to further delays.
Dallas Love Field Airport also reported disruptions, with 30 percent of Southwest Airlines flights delayed. In Houston, George Bush Intercontinental Airport implemented a ground stop for United Airlines flights in the afternoon.
Passengers at Dallas Fort Worth Airport faced long waits, sitting on their luggage as they dealt with the delays, while others queued at customer service counters to rebook flights amid rain and lightning outside.
Affected traveler Ashley Allen, 55, shared her experience of being stranded in Dallas after her connecting flight from Las Vegas to Fort Myers, Florida, was canceled while she was in the air. Despite rebooking, she encountered further delays.
Following the morning disruptions, Brian Brooks, a spokesman for Dallas Fort Worth Airport, stated that operations had returned to normal.