More Than 5,000 Flights Cancelled as US East Coast Digs Out of Record Snow

Published: 24 February 2026
The English Chronicle Desk
The English Chronicle Online

Travel disruption across the eastern United States has escalated after a historic snowstorm blanketed large sections of the region, forcing the cancellation of more than 5,000 flights at major hubs as airports struggle to clear runways and cope with hazardous conditions. Airlines and airport authorities described the scale of disruptions as among the worst in recent years, with the storm contributing to delays lasting several days and widespread frustration among passengers.

The most severe impacts were felt at some of the busiest air travel centres in the Northeast and mid‑Atlantic states, where airports reported heavy accumulation of snow and ice that exceeded operational capacity. At Newark Liberty International Airport in New Jersey, more than half of scheduled departures were called off as crews worked around the clock to de‑ice runways and taxiways. Similar scenes were reported at Philadelphia International and Boston Logan International, where flights were grounded and terminals congested with travellers awaiting updates on rescheduled services.

Passengers left stranded in terminals shared accounts of chaotic conditions as airlines struggled to rebook flights amid limited staff and continued snowfall. One traveller described “rows of chairs filled with people hoping for any word on departure times,” noting that food services and seating areas were stretched thin by the ongoing backlog. Many families and commuters faced extended waits as airlines contended with a backlog of cancellations and a rapidly changing weather forecast.

Airport officials said the cancellations followed consecutive waves of heavy snow that hit the region within a short period, hampering efforts to maintain clear runways. Snowploughs and de‑icing crews worked through the night, but persistent flurries and temperatures below freezing made progress slow. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) urged travellers to check flight statuses frequently if they were planning to travel in the coming days.

Airline customer service lines were overwhelmed, with many passengers reporting long hold times and delayed online updates. Several carriers arranged for hotel vouchers or meal reimbursements for affected travellers, though eligibility varied by airline and fare conditions. Some flights that initially departed on schedule were later diverted or returned to their origin due to deteriorating visibility and ice conditions at destinations.

The cancellations have ripple effects beyond immediate travel, with cargo and freight operations also disrupted. Supply chains that depend on air transport for time‑sensitive deliveries, including medical supplies and critical parts, have seen delays and rerouting as airlines prioritise passenger safety and limited runway availability. Local businesses reliant on timely shipments expressed concern about the economic knock‑on effects as the storm’s impact continues to unfold.

Weather services reported snow totals in many urban centres exceeding records for this time of year. Heavy accumulation in cities such as New York, Philadelphia and Boston strained municipal services, with authorities deploying additional ploughing and salt treatment resources to maintain roadways. The combination of deep snow and fluctuating temperatures also created hazardous driving conditions, prompting advisories against non‑essential travel.

Ground transportation was equally affected. Long‑distance buses and trains operated on reduced schedules or suspended services altogether on key routes, limiting alternatives for stranded flyers seeking to reach their destinations by land. Amtrak reported delays across much of its Northeast Corridor network, and intercity bus lines cancelled multiple departures as roads remained treacherous.

Airline industry analysts said the storm exposed weaknesses in winter contingency planning, particularly when faced with consecutive days of extreme weather across a broad geographical corridor. While airports and carriers maintain winter preparedness protocols, the intensity and duration of the storm outpaced many standard response measures, leading to exceptional levels of disruption rarely seen outside of major winter blizzards.

Despite the travel chaos, many travelers continued to comply with safety directives, with airport staff coordinating information booths and airline representatives announcing updated schedules as they became available. Transportation authorities stressed that prioritising safety over schedule adherence remained essential in conditions where visibility and runway traction were compromised by heavy snow and ice.

The storm’s timing — during a peak travel period for some winter vacationers — meant that airlines were already operating near capacity, further complicating rebooking efforts and resource allocation. Forecasts suggested that while snowfall was tapering off in some areas, residual snow cover and sub‑freezing temperatures would continue to challenge airport operations for at least another 48 hours.

As cities and airports dig out from record snow, officials urged patience and caution from the travelling public. With thousands of flights cancelled and a backlog of delayed services, recovery of normal operations is expected to be gradual, with priority given to first clearing primary runways and accommodating stranded passengers.

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