Thousands of US Travellers Stranded as Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport Face 280 Flight Cancellations and 85 Delays Amid Monstrous Blizzard, Impacting Delta, Southwest, Republic Airways, PSA Airlines and Several others Carriers, New Update

A massive winter storm is currently paralyzing travel across the northeastern US. Heavy snow and high winds have forced a near-total shutdown of aviation hubs. Nowhere is this more evident than at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport in Washington, D.C. Regional carriers are feeling the brunt of this blizzard. PSA Airlines and Republic Airways have already grounded nearly 200 flights combined. Major national carriers are also struggling to maintain schedules. Both Southwest Airlines and Delta Air Lines report dozens of cancellations as visibility drops to zero. There’s a total of 280 flight cancellations and 85 delays reported. Safety remains the top priority for all airport authorities. Crews are working tirelessly to clear runways, yet the snow continues to fall rapidly. Passengers should avoid heading to the airport without confirmed bookings. Most airlines now offer flexible rebooking options to help those stranded by this historic weather event. Please stay tuned for further updates as the storm progresses.

Major Airport Affected

Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport has emerged as one of the primary flashpoint for the ongoing travel crisis in the US. The facility, a critical hub for domestic transit, has seen its flight boards dominated by red status indicators as the blizzard moved into the Washington, D.C. area on Sunday morning. Ground operations have been slowed by the heavy accumulation of snow, which was expected to exceed earlier projections as the storm system strengthened throughout the afternoon.

The impact has not been limited to the capital; the storm’s trajectory is expected to encompass Philadelphia and New York City before reaching Boston. Major hubs including JFK, LaGuardia, Newark and Boston Logan are also reporting massive cancellation figures. However, the density of cancellations at Reagan National underscores the severity of the weather system as it blankets the Mid-Atlantic. Hazardous conditions, including a storm surge of 2 to 4 feet and potential coastal flooding, have further complicated the regional transportation infrastructure.

Impacted Airlines

The logistical burden of the blizzard has been felt unevenly across the aviation industry, with regional and legacy carriers reporting significant losses in operational capacity. According to current data, PSA Airlines has been the most heavily affected at Reagan National, with 104 cancellations and 17 delays recorded. Republic Airways followed closely, reporting 88 cancellations and 14 delays.

The disruption has extended to major national carriers as well. Southwest Airlines has seen 27 of its flights canceled and 5 delayed, while Delta Air Lines reported 22 cancellations and 7 delays. Other carriers navigating the storm include:

• JetBlue: 10 cancellations, 10 delays
• Jazz Aviation: 8 cancellations, 3 delays
• Envoy Air: 7 cancellations, 0 delays
• GoJet Airlines: 6 cancellations, 2 delays
• American Airlines: 5 cancellations, 18 delays
• Endeavor Air: 3 cancellations, 5 delays
• Alaska Airlines: 4 delays (0 cancellations)

The high volume of cancellations among regional partners like PSA and Republic Airways—which operate many short-haul routes for larger brands—indicates a widespread collapse of the regional feeder network during this US weather event.

Probable Impact on Local Tourism

The timing of the blizzard is particularly disruptive for the tourism sector in Washington, D.C., as it arrives just as the remnants of previous winter weather were beginning to clear. The monstrous nature of the storm has led to a near-total halt in visitor movement. With blizzard warnings in effect, the standard flow of tourists to the capital’s historic landmarks and museums has been replaced by a scramble for safety.

Local authorities have implemented emergency measures that effectively pause the city’s hospitality and tourism activities. Mayor Zohran Mamdani has urged all residents and visitors to remain indoors, noting that staying home is the safest option. Furthermore, the announcement of a “full snow day” for public schools—with no remote learning—reflects the severity of the infrastructure threat. Tourism-dependent businesses are likely to see a sharp decline in foot traffic as the city focuses on geocoding snow-clearing efforts for essential services like bus stops and pedestrian ramps. The declaration of a state of emergency in neighboring New Jersey by Governor Mikie Sherrill further signals a regional shutdown that will dampen travel and tourism for the duration of the storm.

What Affected Passengers Can Do Now

For the thousands of passengers currently stranded, the situation requires immediate and strategic action. With hundreds of flights already canceled across the US, the rebooking process is expected to be lengthy and competitive. Travel experts and airline representatives suggest that passengers remain in their current accommodations rather than traveling to the airport, as whiteout conditions have made roads hazardous and life-threatening.

1. Monitor Digital Channels: Passengers are advised to use airline mobile apps to check for real-time updates and automated rebooking options.
2. Prepare for Power Outages: Given the forecast of 70mph winds and heavy snow, power lines are expected to be brought down. Travellers should ensure all mobile devices are fully charged to maintain communication with carriers.
3. Stock Essentials: Following the advice of regional governors, individuals should stock up on food and water. Those in flood-prone areas, particularly near the Delaware Bay or Cape Cod, should be mindful of coastal flooding warnings during high tide.
4. Check Local Mandates: In cities like New York, residents have been urged to stay off the streets entirely. It is critical to follow the specific guidance of local mayors and governors to avoid becoming stranded in the snow.

As the blizzard continues its path toward Boston, the travel landscape in the US remains volatile. Those scheduled to fly through Monday should anticipate further adjustments as the National Weather Service monitors the storm’s potential to exceed current projections.

-The information provided is sourced from FlightAware.

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