Raleigh-Durham, February 2, 2026
Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) reported significant flight cancellations over the weekend due to the impact of Winter Storm Gianna. The storm led to widespread disruptions across the U.S., with thousands of flights canceled. RDU was among the most affected airports, facing over 135 cancellations on Saturday alone and continued issues into the following days. Travelers are advised to verify flight statuses and are eligible for refunds for canceled flights. The storm also caused broader societal impacts with emergency declarations and power outages in multiple states.
Raleigh-Durham Faces Continued Air Travel Disruptions Amid Widespread Winter Storm Impact
Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) experienced significant flight cancellations over the weekend, contributing to a broader national air travel crisis caused by a powerful winter storm. On Saturday, January 31, over 1,500 flights were canceled nationwide, including 135 at RDU, according to initial reports. The total number of nationwide cancellations for Saturday ultimately exceeded 2,400 as the storm intensified. Air travel disruptions continued into Sunday, February 1, with more than 1,900 additional flights canceled across the United States.
Nationwide Impact of Winter Storm Gianna
A powerful winter cyclone, named Winter Storm Gianna, swept across the United States over the weekend, bringing heavy snowfall, high winds, and frigid temperatures, particularly affecting the Southeast and East Coast. This severe weather system led to widespread flight cancellations and delays, impacting millions of Americans. On Saturday, January 31, flight tracking data showed nearly 2,500 cancellations nationwide, with figures rising throughout the day. By Sunday night, February 1, more than 1,910 additional flights were canceled across the country as airports struggled to recover from the storm’s lingering effects. Travel disruptions continued into Monday, February 2, with nearly 1,500 flights canceled nationwide, and thousands more experiencing delays.
The storm rapidly intensified near the Carolina coast on Saturday, January 31, escalating into a major blizzard in some areas. Record-low temperatures and dangerously cold wind chills were reported across affected regions, with forecasters anticipating cold weather to persist throughout the coming week across the eastern United States.
RDU and Regional Airport Struggles (State-level)
Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) faced substantial cancellations. On Saturday, January 31, 178 flights at RDU were canceled, many as a precautionary measure before significant snowfall began. By Sunday, February 1, 76 flights scheduled to arrive or depart RDU were canceled as of 10:30 a.m., with morning departures being particularly affected. Of the 47 flights scheduled to leave RDU before 8:30 a.m. on Sunday, 35 were canceled due to inbound flights being impacted by the storm. RDU was identified as the third most significantly affected airport in the country over the weekend, following Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) and Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL).
Charlotte Douglas International Airport, a major hub, was among the hardest hit, experiencing over 1,000 cancellations on Saturday and more than 800 flights canceled on Sunday. On Monday, February 2, Charlotte reported 855 flights grounded and 280 delays. Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport also saw significant disruptions, with over 600 flights canceled on Saturday and 76 cancellations and 475 delays on Monday. South Florida airports like Miami International Airport and Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport also reported dozens of cancellations and hundreds of delays on Saturday, January 31, as Winter Storm Gianna made its impact felt.
Airline Performance and Operational Challenges
Major airlines faced widespread operational challenges. On Monday, February 2, American Airlines recorded 440 cancellations and 802 delays nationwide. Delta Air Lines reported 85 cancellations and 671 delays, primarily affecting its Atlanta hub. Southwest Airlines also experienced 37 cancellations and 683 delays. The disruptions stem not only from direct weather impacts but also from aircraft and crew being out of position, leading to cascading delays even in areas with clear skies.
Traveler Advisory and Support
Travelers affected by the widespread cancellations and delays are advised to check their flight status directly with airlines. Many airlines issued travel advisories and waivers, allowing passengers to make ticket changes without additional fees.
Passengers with canceled flights are entitled to a refund, even for non-refundable tickets, if they do not accept an alternative flight offered by the airline. However, airlines are generally not required to provide compensation for meals or hotel accommodations when disruptions are caused by uncontrollable events such as weather. Stranded passengers reported facing challenges including hotel shortages, rental car issues, packed terminals, and limited food options.
Broader Impacts Beyond Air Travel
The severe winter weather led to broader societal impacts across multiple states. States of emergency were declared in North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, and Virginia. In North Carolina alone, over 1,000 traffic collisions and two road deaths were reported due to hazardous conditions. Power outages affected more than 156,000 customers by Sunday, mostly in the southern states of Mississippi, Tennessee, and Louisiana. The storm also contributed to rising oil prices, with U.S. producers experiencing losses of up to 2 million barrels per day.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions regarding the recent flight cancellations and their impact:
What was the total number of flights canceled nationwide on Saturday, January 31, 2026?
Over 2,400 flights were canceled nationwide on Saturday, January 31, 2026.
How many flights were canceled at RDU on Saturday, January 31, 2026?
135 flights were canceled at RDU on Saturday, January 31, 2026, according to initial reports. Some sources indicated 178 flights were canceled at RDU on Saturday, mostly as a precaution.
What was the primary cause of the widespread flight cancellations?
The primary cause was a powerful winter storm, known as Winter Storm Gianna, bringing heavy snowfall, high winds, and frigid temperatures, particularly across the Southeast and East Coast.
Which airports were most affected by the storm?
Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) and Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) were among the most heavily impacted, with RDU also experiencing significant disruptions, ranking as the third most affected airport in the country over the weekend.
Are airlines required to provide refunds for canceled flights due to weather?
Yes, airlines are required to offer a refund to travelers if they cancel a flight or make significant changes, regardless of the reason, provided the passenger does not accept an alternative offered by the airline.
Does this mean airlines must provide meals or hotel accommodations for weather-related cancellations?
No, airlines are generally not required to provide meals or hotel accommodations when delays or cancellations are caused by uncontrollable events like weather.
Key Features of Recent Air Travel Disruptions
| Feature | Details | Scope |
|---|---|---|
| Total Nationwide Cancellations (Sat, Jan 31) | Over 2,400 flights | Nationwide |
| Total Nationwide Cancellations (Sun, Feb 1) | More than 1,910 flights | Nationwide |
| Cancellations at RDU (Sat, Jan 31) | 135 flights (initial reports), 178 flights (some sources) | State-level |
| Cancellations at RDU (Sun, Feb 1) | 76 flights (as of 10:30 a.m.) | State-level |
| Primary Cause of Disruptions | Winter Storm Gianna (heavy snowfall, high winds, frigid temperatures) | Nationwide |
| Hardest-Hit Major Airports | Charlotte Douglas International (CLT), Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International (ATL), Raleigh-Durham International (RDU) | Nationwide |
| Traveler Entitlement for Canceled Flights | Refund (if alternative not accepted) | Nationwide |
| Airline Requirement for Accommodation (Weather) | Generally not required to provide meals or hotel | Nationwide |
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Severe Thunderstorms Disrupt Charlotte Douglas International Airport
Author: HERE Charlotte
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