Reclaiming Normalcy: DOT Sec. Sean Duffy Promises Air Travel Will Soar Back to Normal by Wednesday!
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy announced on Monday that the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) requires an additional two days to fully recover from the major flight disruptions caused by a winter storm that swept across the nation over the weekend. During an interview on CNBC’s “Squawk Box,” Duffy indicated that Wednesday is the target date for the FAA to restore normal flight operations.
“This storm is unique,” Duffy noted, highlighting the combination of hazardous ice, snow, and a subsequent cold snap, which complicates efforts to navigate the challenging conditions. The storm wreaked havoc on the aviation sector, marking Sunday as the most significant day for flight cancellations since early 2020, correlating with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. According to FlightAware, airlines canceled more than 15,000 flights across the U.S. over the weekend as much of the country faced snow and ice.
As of Monday, the impact of the storm was still palpable, with over 4,000 cancellations reported and nearly 10,000 delays as the U.S. Department of Transportation grapples with the aftermath. Duffy mentioned that the FAA is prioritizing the salting and clearing of runways, although operations are hampered by reduced staffing due to difficult commuting conditions for workers.
Despite the ongoing disruptions, FlightAware reported only 48 cancellations for Tuesday, signaling a gradual return to normal operations. “We’re going to have more capacity as we come back to a full running schedule,” Duffy mentioned, indicating that travelers can expect fuller flights as demand rises throughout the week. He reiterated the goal of returning to standard operations by Wednesday.
The storm, which was notably impactful in the New York City area, resulted in over 2,700 canceled flights at LaGuardia Airport. Airlines commonly preemptively cancel flights during major storms to avoid stranding planes, passengers, and crew members, which can exacerbate issues post-storm. While January generally sees lower travel volumes, this winter storm has significantly affected countless travelers.
In response to the situation, several major airlines, including American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, JetBlue Airways, Southwest Airlines, and United Airlines, are waiving cancellation fees, allowing customers to rebook their flights without additional charges. The storm-related disruptions come on the heels of recent airspace closures in parts of the Caribbean following U.S.-Venezuela tensions.
The aviation industry is working diligently to rectify the impacts of Winter Storm Fern, and travelers are urged to stay updated on their flight statuses as the situation evolves. With potential delays and cancellations lingering, communication from airlines remains crucial for those navigating their travel plans.
As the situation develops, the FAA and airlines are committed to restoring order and safety in air travel, with hopes of achieving normalcy in the days to come.
Original Source: https://www.cnbc.com/2026/01/26/winter-storm-flight-cancellations.html
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Publish Date: 2026-01-26 21:29:00
