2,000+ flights canceled as storm disruption lingers

The Hill

by Ashleigh Fields

February 24, 2026

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2,000+ flights canceled as storm disruption lingers

More than 2,000 flights were canceled by midday Tuesday as U.S. airlines continued to face disruptions caused by a lingering winter blizzard that swept across the Northeast. According to FlightAware’s flight tracker, there have been 2,372 cancellations and 1,881 delays so far. While the number of canceled or delayed flights on Tuesday was lower than previous days, the storm’s impact remains significant, affecting millions of travelers and straining the nation’s air traffic system. The winter blizzard, which brought heavy snowfall, freezing temperatures, and poor visibility, caused widespread disruptions across major airports in the Northeast, including New York, Philadelphia, and Boston. Airlines have been forced to cancel or delay flights to ensure passenger safety and avoid hazardous conditions on the ground and in the air. This disruption highlights the challenges airlines face during severe weather events, which can have long-lasting effects on flight schedules and traveler plans. For passengers, the cancellations and delays mean significant inconvenience, including lost time, additional expenses for alternative travel arrangements, and potential frustration with airline policies. The economic impact of these disruptions could also be felt across industries, as business travelers and leisure travelers alike are forced to adapt their plans. Beyond immediate inconveniences, the situation underscores broader issues related to infrastructure resilience and the need for improved weather response strategies in the aviation industry. From a political perspective, such events often spark debates about government oversight of airlines, safety regulations, and disaster preparedness. Questions arise about whether airlines are adequately equipped to handle severe weather disruptions and whether taxpayers should bear the costs of such events. Additionally, the impact on regional economies, particularly in the Northeast, where air travel is a critical component of business and tourism, could prompt calls for increased federal

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Originally published on The Hill on 2/24/2026