As the Thanksgiving travel rush gains momentum, disruptions at some of the United States’ busiest airports are threatening to derail travel plans. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has had to issue several ground stops due to adverse weather conditions and equipment issues, complicating an already hectic travel period.
In Houston, George Bush Intercontinental Airport has been temporarily grounded, a decision prompted by both weather concerns and equipment failures. Similarly, Chicago Midway International Airport faced a ground stop due to “low ceilings,” where low cloud cover has made it increasingly challenging for pilots to manage takeoffs and landings safely.
The ripple effects of these weather-related issues are extending to nearby Chicago O’Hare International Airport, where delays are averaging around 30 minutes. This situation is exacerbated by a sprawling weather system moving across the country, bringing thunderstorms that have further affected flight schedules.
At Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, the nation’s busiest air hub, flights are experiencing average delays of 30 minutes. By 10:45 a.m. ET, more than 250 flights departing from this major airport had been delayed, highlighting the widespread impact of the coast-to-coast weather disturbances.
Due to thunderstorms from a coast-to-coast weather system moving across the US, all flights departing from Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport have been delayed by an average of 30 minutes.
As of 10.45am ET, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta, America’s busiest airport, has seen more than 250 flights delayed.
The travel chaos is expected to get even worse, with the FAA already warning of potential ground stops in New York and Washington this afternoon.
Approximately 82million people are expected to travel at least 50 miles for Thanksgiving, with Tuesday being one of the busiest days for Americans visiting family and friends this week.
The FAA issued a ground stop at George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston (Pictured) Tuesday morning, causing major delays for Thanksgiving travelers
A major storm moving across the US is expected to cause travel delays throughout the Midwest and Southeast on Tuesday
The FAA has revealed plans for a potential ground stop at San Francisco International Airport Tuesday morning, but no official announcement or delays have taken place at the moment.
The agency also announced preparations for ground stops at New York’s John F Kennedy International Airport and LaGuardia Airport, and New Jersey’s Newark Liberty International Airport Tuesday afternoon.
Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, Philadelphia International Airport, and Chicago O’Hare may see ground stops starting between 1pm and 5pm ET on Tuesday, according to the FAA.
The list of potential disruptions or delays at these airports are based on FAA forecasts for problematic traffic, weather, staffing, or other operational factors.
The warnings are proactive alerts to help airlines, pilots, and travelers prepare for delays, but they are not guaranteed to occur.
However, meteorologists have noted that Tuesday will be the storm’s busiest day, as it spreads heavy rain, gusty winds, and some thunderstorms across a huge stretch of the US, from the Gulf Coast and Southeast to the Midwest.
AccuWeather added that the worst headaches will likely cause hundreds of flight delays at major hubs like Chicago O’Hare, St Louis Lambert, and Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport.
As of 10.45am, over 1,500 flights entering or departing from the US have been delayed, according to Flight Aware.
Passengers wait in a long line to rebook their canceled flights at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. America’s busiest airport has been snarled by delays on Tuesday (Stock Image)
Conditions for travelers in the Northeast and Great Lakes region are expected to deteriorate on Tuesday, with some areas seeing an ‘all-out blizzard’ by Thanksgiving.
AccuWeather meteorologist Brandon Buckingham said: ‘As the storm in the north-central tier continues into the middle of the week, substantial blowing and drifting snow is forecast in portions of Minnesota and northern Michigan, with an all-out blizzard developing in the vicinity of Lake Superior.’
‘Wind gusts over 40 mph could cause airline delays in cities including Minneapolis, Chicago, Detroit and Cleveland.’
By Wednesday, parts of the Dakotas, Wisconsin, and Michigan are predicted to see up to 12 inches of snow.
Meanwhile, dangerous wind gusts and continuous downpours on Tuesday night into Wednesday could impact flights in New York, Philadelphia, and Pittsburgh.
