The Federal Aviation Administration cited weather-related issues and high passenger volume in the East Coast and popular ski areas as the primary causes of the delays.
Flight delays
Denver International Airport, a major hub for Southwest Airlines, experienced a significant impact, with 48 percent of departing flights delayed. Despite the challenges, only 1 percent of departing flights were canceled, showcasing resilience amid the chaos.
Southwest Airlines, United Airlines, and SkyWest were the major contributors to delays in Denver, with Southwest accounting for nearly half of the delays.
A surprising development amidst the chaos was the lack of cancellations, particularly for Southwest Airlines. This positive turn of events marked a stark contrast to the previous year’s holiday travel meltdown, during which the carrier canceled or significantly delayed about 16,900 flights. Inclement weather and operational challenges impacted nearly 2 million travelers, according to a Transportation Department investigation.
Protests
In addition to weather-related disruptions, two major airlines faced an unexpected challenge on Wednesday – pro-Palestinian protests obstructing roads. John F. Kennedy International Airport witnessed 26 arrests for disorderly conduct and traffic obstruction on the Van Wyck Expressway. Similar protests occurred at Los Angeles International Airport, causing temporary disruptions around roadway entrances to the hub.
