JBLU, DAL, AAL: US Airlines Scrap Over 1,600 Flights as Winter Storm Hits Northeast

U.S. air travel faced widespread disruption as a powerful winter storm swept across the Northeast, forcing airlines to cancel more than 1,600 flights. The storm disrupted operations at major airports just as holiday travel demand peaked, adding pressure on carriers. Shares of JetBlue Airways (JBLU), United Airlines Holdings (UAL), American Airlines Group (AAL), and Delta Air Lines (DAL) brace for further impact after airline stocks ended lower on Friday.Claim 70% Off TipRanks This Holiday SeasonUnlock hedge fund-level data and powerful investing tools for smarter, sharper decisions Stay ahead of the market with the latest news and analysis and maximize your portfolio's potential Airlines Hit by Storm During Busy Holiday Travel Period Along with many flight cancellations, about 11,000 flights were delayed over the weekend, testing airlines during one of the busiest travel periods of the year. The timing is especially challenging, coming during the peak holiday travel season when passenger volumes are at their highest and airlines are under pressure to keep operations running smoothly. As of December 27, JetBlue Airways has canceled 225 flights, the most among U.S. carriers. This was followed by Delta Air Lines with 186 cancellations, Republic Airways with 155, American Airlines with 96, and United Airlines with 82. Major US airlines last week waived change fees on restrictive basic economy tickets. The airlines also said they would not charge fare differences for other customers traveling to or from several airports across the Northeast U.S. What It Means for U.S. Airlines Higher operational costs are expected as airlines deal with rerouted flights, staffing challenges, and the need to accommodate stranded passengers. These disruptions may also trigger investor caution, as market sentiment could turn negative with concerns over weather-related impacts on earnings during a peak revenue period. Despite this short-term pressure, the long-term fundamentals for U.S. carriers are likely to remain intact. Overall, the disruption is temporary and ongoing growth trends, along with strong holiday travel demand, should support a recovery. Which Airline Stock Offers Higher Upside, According to Analysts? Using TipRanks' Stock Comparison Tool, we have compared airline stocks to see which offers higher upside to investors. Below is a screenshot for reference.