Hurricane Helene's Impact on U.S. Air Travel: Latest Flight Stats Amid Category 4 Storm
Hurricane Helene displayed with weather layer on RadarBox.com
At 10 p.m. ET, Hurricane Helene, a violent Category 4 storm with sustained winds of 140 mph, is battering the U.S. coastline, especially in Florida's Big Bend region. The National Hurricane Center reports that the storm's eyewall—where its strongest winds reside—has already begun moving over the coast, posing a severe threat to life and property. The hurricane is causing significant disruptions in the U.S. aviation sector, with 1,218 flights cancelled and 4,140 flights delayed as of 5:59 p.m. ET.
Air Travel Disruption
Major airlines, including Southwest Airlines, American Airlines, and Delta Air Lines, are experiencing widespread operational interruptions.
- Flights cancelled: 1,218
- Flights delayed: 4,140
Southwest Airlines is leading the cancellations of 201 flights, followed by American Airlines and Delta Air Lines, which are also experiencing widespread operational interruptions.
Regional Impact
Florida, particularly those in the Big Bend region, have been hardest hit by flight cancellations and delays as the storm approaches. This area is seeing some of the most severe winds and weather conditions. Airports in Tampa, Jacksonville, and Orlando are feeling the effects as airlines preemptively cancel flights in anticipation of further deterioration in weather conditions.
