Airlines in the U.S. have been reportedly forced to cancel more than 1,600 flights on Friday due to a severe winter storm that brought power outages and business disruptions across 12 states.
The storm's forecast indicates a harsh freeze over the coming weekend, exacerbating travel disruptions.
A total of 1,643 flights were canceled, and 1,238 flights were delayed as of 9.12 a.m. ET, reported Reuters, citing flight-tracking website FlightAware.
Delta Air Lines Inc (NYSE: DAL) acknowledged the expected operational difficulties due to the weather conditions in the Midwest, as per the report.
On Thursday, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reportedly alerted about potential delays at certain airports due to adverse weather conditions.
According to the report, Southwest Airlines Company (NYSE: LUV) led the list of cancellations with 355 flights followed by SkyWest, Inc. (NASDAQ: SKYW) at 275.
United has scrapped 258 flights so far, with some cancellations extending to Saturday, the report added.
United has also preemptively canceled some flights scheduled for Saturday as it awaits regulatory clearances to recommence operations of Boeing Co's (NYSE: BA) 737 MAX 9 jets in the country.
The FAA's ongoing formal investigation into the Boeing 737 MAX 9 stems from an incident involving an Alaska Air Group Inc (NYSE: ALK) flight. Last week, a cabin panel on one of these aircraft dislodged mid-air, resulting in an emergency landing.
Price Action: DAL shares are trading lower by 8.2% at $38.76 on the last check Friday.