US Airlines Cancel Over 1,000 Flights Due to Hurricane Helene, According to Reuters

Airlines across the United States have canceled or delayed thousands of flights on Thursday as Hurricane Helene intensifies and is expected to make landfall in Florida’s Big Bend this evening.

By 5:59 PM ET, a total of 1,218 flights had been canceled and 4,146 delayed, according to flight tracking data. Southwest Airlines reported the highest number of canceled flights at 201, followed closely by American Airlines and Delta Air Lines.

Officials have issued urgent warnings, advising residents in coastal areas along the hurricane’s path to evacuate due to potentially catastrophic winds and life-threatening storm surges.

Airports in affected regions, including Tampa International, Orlando International, and Fort Lauderdale International, have alerted travelers about possible delays or cancellations. Additionally, American Airlines has issued a travel advisory for airports in the Southeastern U.S. and the Gulf of Mexico, with similar advisories also released by JetBlue and Southwest Airlines.