Over 7,000 Flights Canceled Or Delayed In U.S. As Strong Storms Persist—Northeast Feeling Brunt Of Impacts

Topline

More than 7,000 flights within, into or out of the U.S. were either canceled or delayed Tuesday as powerful storms struck several parts of the country, with the Northeast feeling the most significant impacts—obstructions to flight that arrive not long after United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby blasted the Federal Aviation Administration’s call to cancel and delay flights this weekend due to inclement weather.

Key Facts

News Peg

Kirby, appointed as United’s CEO in 2020, laid into the FAA in a Monday email to employees that faulted the federal government for ordering flight cancellations and delays over weather conditions United “has historically been able to manage.“

Key Background

Over the weekend, a slew of storms battered the U.S., resulting in tornado threats and thunderstorms in states like Ohio, Arkansas and Mississippi. The FAA ordered thousands of flights to be canceled this weekend due to severe weather in the Northeast. By Monday, upwards of 6,500 flights were affected as more than 300 severe storms ripped across the country and continued to fuel flight cancellations and delays into Tuesday.

What To Watch For

It is unclear if the bumpy start to summer air travel will continue further into the season— executives like Kirby have blamed air traffic controllers for delays and cancellations that have disrupted travel significantly at multiple points in the past year.

Further Reading

Flight Cancellations And Delays Cause Gridlock Across East Coast—6,500 Flights Affected (Forbes)

United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby blasts FAA call to cancel and delay flights because of bad weather (CBS)

More than 1,000 flights canceled as severe weather slams the East Coast, while Texas faces possibly record-breaking heat (CNN Business)