Winter Storm Enzo Leads to US Airport Closures Including George Bush Intercontinental, William P Hobby, Dallas Fort Worth, San Antonio International and More Impacting United, Delta, Southwest, JetBlue, Frontier, American and Others Tomorrow

Tuesday, January 21, 2025

Winter Storm Enzo has led to widespread travel disruptions, prompting the closure of major US airports, including George Bush Intercontinental, William P. Hobby, Dallas Fort Worth, and San Antonio International, with others expected to follow. The closures and icy conditions have heavily impacted major airlines like United, Delta, Southwest, JetBlue, Frontier, and American, forcing hundreds of cancellations and rescheduling efforts. As the storm intensifies, tomorrow is expected to bring even more significant challenges for air travel nationwide.

The United States is grappling with a major winter storm Enzo as Arctic air blasts south from Canada, bringing freezing temperatures, heavy snow, and icy conditions across much of the nation. Over 75% of the country is expected to experience freezing temperatures this week, causing significant disruptions, particularly at major airports. In this first part, we’ll explore how the storm is affecting air travel in the Northeast and Houston.

Yesterday, the United States experienced significant air travel disruptions due to Winter Storm Enzo, with a total of 3,983 flight delays and 525 cancellations reported across the country. These numbers reflect the widespread impact of the storm, as icy conditions and freezing temperatures created challenges for airlines, passengers, and airport operations nationwide.

Northeast Airports Struggle With Heavy Snowfall

The Northeast is accustomed to harsh winters, but the latest storm is testing the resilience of major cities and their airports. Snowfall is already disrupting travel in Washington, DC, New York City, Boston, and other areas along the I-95 corridor.

Washington, DC, is expected to see 1 to 3 inches of snow, which has already begun making roads and runways hazardous. In New York City, up to 6 inches of snow is predicted, straining operations at JFK, LaGuardia, and Newark airports. Boston Logan International is bracing for a similar impact, with forecasts of up to 6 inches, leading to numerous cancellations and delays.

Philadelphia, which declared a snow emergency, is dealing with 4 to 6 inches of snow and temperatures plunging below freezing. Hartford, Connecticut, could see as much as 7 inches, while Portland, Maine, braces for up to 8 inches. Across the region, airlines are scrambling to adjust schedules and minimize disruptions as the storm intensifies.

On Sunday alone, over 1,200 flights were canceled and more than 6,500 delayed across the region. As of Monday, airports were slowly recovering, but Boston Logan led in cancellations with around 50 flights grounded by mid-morning. Snow and ice are expected to continue affecting travel well into the week.

Houston Airports Brace for Rare Winter Storm Closures

While the Northeast is familiar with snow, Houston is facing an entirely different challenge. The city, which rarely experiences significant winter weather, is expecting up to 4 inches of snow and dangerously icy conditions. In response, Houston’s two major airports—George Bush Intercontinental (IAH) and William P. Hobby (HOU)—have announced plans to shut down operations starting at midnight Tuesday.

At Bush Intercontinental, United Airlines, which operates a major hub there, has already canceled 80% of its flights for Tuesday. William P. Hobby Airport is seeing even greater disruption, with over 90% of scheduled departures already canceled. Southwest Airlines, which operates heavily out of Hobby, has issued waivers for affected travelers, allowing them to rebook flights without penalties.

These closures are particularly disruptive because Houston serves as a key connection point for domestic and international flights. The decision to temporarily halt operations reflects the city’s limited ability to handle significant snowfall and ice, with officials prioritizing safety for passengers and airport staff.

The Ripple Effect on Travel

The closures and cancellations in the Northeast and Houston are creating a cascading effect on air travel nationwide. Planes and crews are being delayed or grounded, disrupting flights far beyond the storm’s immediate path. If you’re flying this week, it’s essential to monitor your airline’s app or website for updates and advisories. Many carriers are offering free rebooking options, even for basic economy tickets, to help passengers navigate the chaos.

The Arctic blast continues its journey across the United States, targeting regions unaccustomed to severe winter weather. The Deep South and Gulf Coast are now bracing for snow, ice, and freezing temperatures, leading to states of emergency and significant disruptions at major airports. Let’s dive into the impact this storm is having on air travel in these regions.

Widespread Flight Cancellations Across Texas Airports

George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH)
George Bush Intercontinental Airport has been hit hardest by the storm, with 401 flights canceled for January 21. This major hub for United Airlines plays a critical role in connecting domestic and international routes, and its disruptions are sending ripple effects across the entire air travel network. The decision to halt operations reflects the extreme weather conditions, with icy runways and hazardous roads making travel unsafe.

William P. Hobby Airport (HOU)
William P. Hobby Airport, another key airport in Houston, has also seen significant cancellations. A total of 127 flights have already been called off for January 21. Southwest Airlines, the dominant carrier at Hobby, has issued travel waivers to help passengers rebook their flights, but the scale of cancellations is creating logistical challenges for travelers and airlines alike.

San Antonio International Airport (SAT)
San Antonio International Airport is experiencing its share of disruptions, with 27 flights canceled as icy conditions sweep through the region. While smaller than Houston’s major airports, SAT serves as an important hub for regional travel, and its cancellations are adding to the statewide travel woes.

Dallas Love Field Airport (DAL)
Dallas Love Field Airport, a critical base for Southwest Airlines, has canceled 23 flights so far. The storm’s impact on Love Field highlights how even airports with strong infrastructure are struggling to cope with the ongoing icy conditions.

Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS)
At Austin-Bergstrom International Airport, 22 flights have been grounded. As the central airport for Texas’ capital city, AUS is a key travel point for business and leisure passengers. The disruptions here are contributing to delays and cancellations across the region.

Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW)
Dallas Fort Worth International Airport, the nation’s second-busiest airport, has canceled 20 flights for January 21. As a major hub for American Airlines, DFW’s disruptions are creating challenges for connecting flights across the country, amplifying the storm’s impact on nationwide travel.

Additional Airports Across Texas
Smaller airports in Texas are also feeling the storm’s effects. Cities like El Paso, Midland, Corpus Christi, and McAllen are reporting flight cancellations as icy conditions make travel unsafe. These cancellations, while smaller in number, contribute to the broader challenges faced by travelers and airlines navigating this winter weather chaos.

These widespread disruptions underscore how deeply interconnected the air travel network is, with the storm’s impact in Texas reverberating across the nation.

Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson Braces for Icy Conditions

Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport, the busiest airport in the world, is preparing for potential disruptions as the storm moves into Georgia. Freezing rain and icy conditions are expected to develop late Tuesday and continue into Wednesday. While Atlanta isn’t forecast to receive significant snowfall, the combination of ice and freezing temperatures is enough to create widespread challenges.

Delta Air Lines, which operates its largest hub out of Atlanta, has issued travel advisories and is encouraging passengers to reschedule flights. With Atlanta serving as a key connection point for flights across the country, any delays or cancellations here are likely to have a cascading effect nationwide.

Gulf Coast Airports on High Alert

The Gulf Coast, where snow and ice are even rarer than in Houston, is also preparing for major travel disruptions. New Orleans’ Louis Armstrong International Airport (MSY) is monitoring conditions closely, with Southwest Airlines issuing a travel waiver for passengers flying through the region. States of emergency declared in Louisiana and Mississippi underscore the seriousness of the situation, as both states brace for hazardous road conditions and potential power outages.

AccuWeather warns that freezing rain and icy conditions could extend eastward into Georgia and the Carolinas by Wednesday, potentially affecting airports in these regions as well.

What Travelers Need to Know

If you’re traveling this week, preparation is key to navigating the disruptions caused by this winter storm. Check your airline’s website or app frequently for updates and travel advisories. Many airlines, including United Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Southwest Airlines, American Airlines, Alaska Airlines, Frontier Airlines, JetBlue Airways, and Spirit Airlines, are offering flexible rebooking options, even for passengers with basic economy tickets.

For travelers in Houston, rescheduling flights is essential, as both major airports will be temporarily closed. In Atlanta, passengers should prepare for potential delays and allow extra time for connections, especially on Tuesday night and Wednesday morning.

Looking Ahead

This Arctic blast has already brought chaos to the Northeast, and its impact is now spreading to the South and Gulf Coast. With freezing temperatures expected to persist and icy conditions developing in new areas, travel disruptions are likely to continue throughout the week. Whether you’re flying from Houston, Atlanta, or the Gulf Coast, staying informed and proactive can make a significant difference in your travel experience. Stay safe and stay warm!

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