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Airlines Cancel Hundreds of Flights in New York Area Despite Milder-Than-Expected Snowstorm
NEW YORK – Major airlines preemptively canceled hundreds of flights at New York-area airports ahead of a predicted snowstorm Friday night, leaving thousands of holiday travelers scrambling despite the storm ultimately proving less severe than initially forecast.
Forecasters had warned of up to nine inches of snow in the region. While the worst of the storm did not materialize, the proactive cancellations still resulted in significant disruptions. According to FlightAware, Kennedy International, LaGuardia, and Newark Liberty International airports saw over 400 inbound and outbound flight cancellations on Saturday, with hundreds more delayed. Nearly 900 flights were canceled on Friday.
Airlines defended their decision, stating that preemptive cancellations were necessary to avoid a “cascading effect” of real-time adjustments that could strand planes, crews, and customers. Southwest Airlines spokesman Chris Perry highlighted the dangers of last-minute cancellations, citing the airline’s 2022 winter storm debacle where thousands of flights were grounded due to stranded planes and crews. While the preemptive action aimed to mitigate potential chaos, many travelers are now left navigating the challenges of rebooking during the busy holiday season.
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