Hurricane Francine disrupts travel: All flights cancelled at New Orleans airport
All the major airlines like American Airlines, Delta, United, and Southwest have cancelled both domestic and international flights because the powerful Category 4 hurricane moves toward the Gulf Coast.
Latest Update:
Hurricane Francine caused major cancellations of flights on Wednesday and Thursday morning. However, Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY) is set to resume its operations on Thursday. The other airports in Lafayette (LFT) and Baton Rouge (BTR) are simultaneously starting their operations again as well. Travelers are urged to check the status of their flights for any possible delays as airlines start to function soon. Authorities suggest passengers have updates about the local road conditions and airports since the area has recovered from the hurricane.
Earlier:
All flights at Louis Armstrong International Airport in New Orleans have been cancelled due to Hurricane Francine's harming approach, as it has a serious effect on travel plans. All the major airlines like American Airlines, Delta, United, and Southwest have cancelled both domestic and international flights because the powerful Category 4 hurricane moves toward the Gulf Coast. There are higher chances that the storm will continue to bring dangerous winds, heavy rainfall, and floods.
Why Airlines are cancelling flights
Hurricane Francine, which is producing strong winds of 130 mph, will be reaching New Orleans land in the coming days. For many surrounding towns, an emergency evacuation order has been given by the National Hurricane Center (NHC) because of a hurricane warning.
Airlines cancel flights because they want to safeguard their employees and customers from expected dangerous weather conditions. Strong winds, plenty of rain, and lightning create an unsafe combination in this particular case that can harm the airport's facilities and make flight difficult. At New Orleans International Airport, the safety of flights is therefore dependent upon the cancelation of some flights.
Key things travelers need to know
It is important that you keep yourself updated on Hurricane Francine and its possible effects on your travel plans if you are having any planned travel to or from New Orleans in the next few days. Here are the important things one should keep in mind
Check the Present Status of Your Flight: You must track the status of your flight through the website or app of your airline, as all flights have been cancelled. According to the terms and conditions, many airlines provide alternative options to reschedule or receive refunds for passengers.
Free Rebooking Options: Major airlines like American, Delta, and Southwest gave the option to change passenger flights without paying additional fees. You can change your travel plans without paying additional costs, if you have a flight through New Orleans in a short period. Please visit the airline's website for additional details and deadlines.
Airport Updates: Louis Armstrong International Airport will probably have to close for some time if the storm causes damage. Even though the airport is still open as of now, you are advised not to travel there until you have further details showing that safe flight operations resume shortly.
Airlines’ responses to Hurricane Francine
Airlines were taking precautions to protect both employees and passengers before the Hurricane. This is how they are dealing with the situation right now:
American Airlines: American has cancelled all of its flights to New Orleans for the remaining days of the week. Passengers are suggested to rebook online, and there are no additional fees for adjustments.
Delta Air Lines: Delta is providing various rebooking options and cancelled all of its flights at the New Orleans Airport. They additionally relocated a few planes to avoid any hurricane damage.
United Airlines: United will provide passengers a chance to rebook or get a voucher for future travel due to operational suspension. They are maintaining a close watch on the storm to make changes in schedules.
Southwest Airlines: In addition, Southwest has cancelled all of its flights to and from the city of New Orleans and continues to assist passengers make other travel plans. They are providing travel coupons for people who are unable to go soon.
Wider impact on air travel
Hurricane Francine's effects are not limited to New Orleans. The cancellations have caused delays and challenges at airports around the country since Louis Armstrong International Airport is an important center for flights throughout the southern United States. With several airlines redirecting flights to avoid the storm, travelers flying to or from major cities such as Houston, Atlanta, and Dallas could also experience delays or cancellations.
Hurricane Francine could also have an effect on other Gulf Coast airports in the coming days, such as Gulfport-Biloxi International Airport (GPT) and Mobile Regional Airport (MOB). It is recommended to keep yourself up to date on the cancellations if you have plans to travel in this region.
What to do if you are stranded
Protecting yourself should come first if you are stuck in New Orleans or other Gulf Coast areas due to the storm. Here's how you can react to the situation:
Book a Hotel: If you are unable to leave the area before the storm arrives, you can choose to stay at a hotel that is not situated in an evacuation zone. Stranded tourists can benefit from the cheaper rates provided by some hotels in New Orleans.
Stay Informed: Pay close attention to the weather forecasts released by the National Hurricane Center and follow any local authorities' instructions to find shelter or leave the area.
Contact your airline: If you're at the airport, get the most recent information on flight rebooking options by contacting your airline's customer care.
As a result of Hurricane Francine, there are major air traffic issues in and around New Orleans. As the storm continues to affect this region, travelers should remain updated and make alternative travel plans as all flights at Louis Armstrong International Airport are cancelled. The airline industry is prepared for additional cancellations and delays along the Gulf Coast as Hurricane Francine comes closer.
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