US Travel Industry Boils as Hurricane Helene Grounds Flights in Atlanta, Asheville, and Disrupts New Travel Plans Across North Carolina and Tennessee

Sunday, September 29, 2024

Hurricane Helene made a devastating landfall in Florida’s Big Bend region Thursday night, bringing travel to a standstill across the southeastern United States. As the strongest hurricane to ever hit the region, the storm has triggered massive travel disruptions, both on the ground and in the air.

Flight Cancellations and Delays Surge

Airports across the Southeast are reeling from the impact:

• Asheville Regional Airport has seen 33 flights cancelled and 32 delayed, leaving travelers stranded.
• At Hartsfield-Jackson International (ATL), one of the nation’s busiest hubs, 13 flights were cancelled with 66 departures and 46 arrivals delayed, leading to significant ripple effects across the country.
• British Airways 30 cancelled and 172 delayed

Ground Travel Severely Affected

In addition to flight chaos, road closures from flooding and storm damage have paralyzed major highways, making road travel dangerous and unpredictable. Swift water rescues are underway in North Carolina, and severe damage to bridges in Tennessee has isolated entire communities, exacerbating the disruption.

President Biden’s Response

President Biden expressed deep sorrow over the devastation, with many areas still battling to restore critical infrastructure. The ongoing travel turmoil is expected to persist as recovery efforts begin, with further delays and cancellations likely in the days ahead. Travelers are advised to monitor flight schedules closely and prepare for extended delays.

The aftermath of Hurricane Helene is a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities in the nation’s travel infrastructure during severe weather events.