Severe weather across the US East Coast led to more than 11,000 flight cancellations on Sunday, with airlines warning more disruption is likely.
Aviation analytics firm Cirium said Sunday 25 January recorded the highest number of flight cancellations since the COVID-19 pandemic shutdown of 30 March 2020, when 12,140 flights were cancelled across the US.
More than 11,400 cancellations were recorded on Sunday by FlightAware because of Storm Fern, according to the news agency Associated Press.
Virgin Atlantic cancelled five flights to and from the US on Saturday and 12 yesterday. Currently, one flight, VS26 from JFK to Heathrow, has been cancelled today.
The airline said on Saturday: “Some flights to and from the East Coast of the USA are currently still scheduled to operate between 24 and 26 January. However, local weather and airport conditions may still cause delays or disruption.”
This includes services to and from JFK, Toronto, Boston, Washington and Atlanta.
Customers due to travel on those routes are covered by Virgin’s disruption policy, which means changes to existing bookings can be made in advance, without needing to wait for a flight to be officially delayed or cancelled.
Passengers can move their travel to another date, free of charge, up to Thursday 29 January 2026.
In an update on 25 January, British Airways said it was ‘closely monitoring Storm Fern’.
“Like other airlines, we are taking proactive steps to manage potential disruption to our operation and to ensure the safety and wellbeing of our customers and colleagues. As a result, some flights have unfortunately been cancelled,” it said.
“We kindly ask customers not to travel to the airport unless their flight is operating as planned.” Updates are being posted on the Manage My Booking section on the BA website and app.
BA said: “Some flights to and from the East Coast of the USA are currently still scheduled to operate between 25 and 26 January. However, local weather and airport conditions may still cause delays or disruption.”
BA passengers travelling up to 28 January can change their travel to another date, free of charge up to 30 January.
Delta, American Airlines and United are also allowing passengers to change their tickets.
Delta said customers should check their flight status before heading to the airport.
On Sunday it said: “Delta teams are safely managing the weather impacts. We intend to operate a reduced schedule subject to real-time frozen precipitation and afternoon storm conditions.
“Delta teams are actively monitoring weather conditions in the Northeast as well as at the airline’s largest hub in Atlanta. Delta works to give customers as much notice as possible about changes to their flights and is taking proactive actions to minimise disruption and aid in recovery efforts.”
American Airlines said flight changes must be made by 27 January. United is allowing passengers booked up to 29 January to change their tickets.
Image is a stock photo taken at Chicago O’Hare International Airport
