A fast-moving winter storm sweeping into parts of the United States on Tuesday turned Denver International Airport into a slow-motion slog, with flights delayed, trips scrubbed and passengers stuck waiting for their planes to get a fresh coat of de-icing fluid. Runway crews pushed through steady snowfall while airlines shuffled schedules, turning what is usually a brisk travel day into a drawn-out grind.
What's happening at DEN
At Denver International, the Federal Aviation Administration told airlines it was throttling back the flow of arrivals, and passengers were warned they could see delays of up to an hour as the system tried to catch its breath, according to Denver7. Airlines reported about two dozen cancellations while crews cycled through snow-removal passes and de-icing runs. The airport logged roughly 2.6 inches of snow early Tuesday and cautioned that more accumulation could complicate ground operations even further. Video from CBS News Colorado shows travelers camped out in the concourses as workers hustled to keep flights moving.
Nationwide ripple effects
The same storm is part of a broader system that hammered the Northeast and triggered widespread cancellations across the country. Tracking data showed thousands of canceled and delayed flights as major hubs from Boston to New York contended with blizzard conditions, according to AP News. When big hubs cut capacity, airlines are forced to juggle aircraft and crews, which can set off a chain reaction of cancellations and delays that drag on for days.
What travelers should know
Passengers whose flights are canceled are generally entitled to refunds under federal rules, and airlines often roll out flexible rebooking options or fee waivers. For the fine print, check the U.S. Department of Transportation's Fly Rights guidance at DOT. Travelers should also be ready for extra time on board while aircraft are de-iced - the process can add minutes depending on the type of plane - and for longer lines at gates and security as operations slowly return to normal, per Denver7. The bottom line: check your airline's alerts before you leave home and give yourself plenty of time to get to the airport while crews work to clear the airfield.
