Hundreds of flights canceled in US as severe winter storm expected

ISTANBUL

More than 1,300 flights were canceled by airlines on Friday due to a massive winter storm that is expected to sweep across the US, bringing with it heavy snow, sleet, and severe cold.

According to flight-tracker FlightAware, over 400 US flights were canceled on Friday, including 1,325 from Saturday's schedule, according to CNBC.

With 900 canceled flights at Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport and 139 at Dallas Love Field, each accounting for over half of the day's schedule, these two locations accounted for the majority of Saturday's cancellations.

In order to avoid stranding aircraft, passengers, and crew, which can exacerbate difficulties once severe weather passes, airlines frequently cancel flights in advance of significant storms.

For customers holding tickets to and from more than 40 airports nationwide, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, JetBlue Airways, Southwest Airlines, United Airlines, and other US carriers have announced that they will waive change and cancellation fees as well as rate discrepancies to rebook. Restrictive basic economy tickets are among the waivers.

In order to lessen the effects of the storm and "set the stage for a fast, safe recovery once conditions improve," American Airlines announced that it was moving its aircraft and hiring more personnel at important airports.

Delta said it is "proactively" adjusting staffing levels to ensure teams are in place to support its customers.