Why are flights delayed or canceled when there’s a weather disruption? Ask the Captain
major winter storm, or localized weather conditions, the effects on flights can be significant – and sometimes have a ripple effect on the system.
Flight crews dread irregular operations as much (or more) as passengers do. When the schedule is disrupted by weather, many complex decisions must be made that affect passengers, flight crews, maintenance, and the stations. It is not a simple process.
The mystery continues:Does anyone know what took down the EgyptAir flight? Ask the Captain
Are smaller planes safe?:Data shows the need for continuous improvement: Ask the captain
For an airline, operational efficiency is the key to success. Having the right airplane, crewed by the right people, and having the right maintenance support at the right gate is essential. The planning for this occurs months before the flight, but once the weather disrupts the plan, it is challenging to get all the parts necessary for a flight back in their place.
Cancellations expected to mount as winter storm moves across the Plains and Midwest
What is sustainable aviation fuel?:Some say it’s the key to a greener airline industry
Crew members, maintenance technicians and flight dispatchers all have mandatory rest periods between duty shifts. The dispatchers and schedulers in the operations control center must take that into account when reassigning crews or planning routine maintenance. It requires experience, coordination and attention to detail to get the right crew, at the right airplane, at the right gate. For the flight crews, this can be especially frustrating, sometimes turning a planned two-day trip into a four or five-day odyssey. Adding stress is sorting out the rerouting of all the passengers affected. Frustration is an unfortunate part of the process.
Story continues below.
Why do flight delays and cancellations happen when airlines know of incoming major weather events?
Airlines do what they can to get passengers and cargo to their destination as close to schedule as possible. Sometimes, it can be days before that can be accomplished. For the airline, it is still not over, as they must return to normal scheduled operations, but realize that some scheduled pilots and flight attendants will not be available due to the rerouting they experienced during irregular operations.
Weather events at major airports can cause delays and cancellations across the country and internationally. Due to the number of airplanes that fly through large major airports, the ripple effect can cause delays at many secondary airports, sometimes for days.
Keep an eye on your Christmas flight:Here’s what flyers should expect this week
Ask the Captain:How often do airline pilots rely on autopilot? What happens if a plane’s engine falls off?
Now that we are in the winter season, it’s important to remember that hundreds of experienced professionals are working to solve the many issues. If you learn of a possible storm affecting your flight or receive an email with a modified itinerary, realize that those decisions were not made lightly and are probably one of your best options.
One last consideration is that the phone reservation lines quickly get clogged. Try email or the chat feature on the airlines’ websites; they may get you faster answers.
No one likes seeing travel plans disrupted. After watching the airlines cope with various storms over many decades, it makes me appreciate the professionals in the operations control centers around the country for keeping us flying.