Heavy snow, ice, and freezing temperatures across Europe have caused deadly accidents, travel disruptions, and widespread chaos, with at least five fatalities, airport closures, and transportation delays in countries including France, the Netherlands, Italy, the UK, and Balkan nations.
Republican lawmaker Derrick Van Orden rode his motorcycle from Wisconsin to Washington DC to vote on ending the government shutdown, citing unreliable flights due to air traffic issues caused by the shutdown. He joined other lawmakers who opted for road travel amid travel disruptions.
Amid widespread flight cancellations caused by the ongoing government shutdown, travelers are resorting to trains, buses, rental cars, and other creative solutions to reach their destinations, facing long delays, high costs, and logistical challenges, while the political impasse continues to impact the nation's transportation system and public well-being.
As the US government shutdown reaches a record 36 days, air traffic controllers are working without pay, leading to staffing shortages, delays, and warnings of potential widespread travel chaos if the shutdown continues. Transportation officials warn of possible airspace closures and mass cancellations, with controllers experiencing low morale and financial strain.
A telecommunications outage caused widespread flight cancellations and delays at Dallas airports, leading to chaos for thousands of travelers, with disruptions extending globally due to cyberattacks affecting airline systems and airport operations.
All flights at Newark Airport are grounded due to severe staffing shortages and technical issues, causing widespread travel disruptions and chaos at one of the US's busiest airports, with delays expected to continue and ongoing efforts to resolve the problems.
South Korea experienced its third-heaviest snowfall since 1907, with over 16 inches blanketing Seoul, creating picturesque scenes but also causing significant disruptions. The heavy snow led to travel chaos, with numerous flights canceled, ferry services halted, and roads becoming hazardous. At least five people died, including two in traffic accidents, and 11 were injured in a 53-vehicle pile-up. The snowfall, attributed to warmer seawater temperatures meeting cold air currents, also forced the closure of hundreds of schools.
Dubai International Airport is experiencing travel chaos after mass flight cancellations due to severe weather, leaving thousands of passengers stranded, including South China Morning Post culture editor Kevin Kwong. The unprecedented storm in the United Arab Emirates has caused chaos at one of the world's busiest airports, with stranded travelers facing confusion, frustration, and long waits for information. With no official updates, rumors are spreading, and passengers are left to navigate the situation on their own. Despite some amenities like food and drink, the lack of charging stations and crowded facilities adds to the discomfort of those stuck at the airport.
Orlando International Airport hit a new record of 102,064 departing passengers on March 16, as swarms of spring breakers flood Disney World, causing massive crowds and overwhelming the city. Many travelers are heading to Walt Disney World Resort, leading to long wait times for popular rides and overwhelming crowds throughout the parks. The airport has advised travelers to arrive three hours early and has prepared for the influx of passengers by scheduling more staff and moving some airlines to Terminal C to ease travel chaos.
A winter storm has hit the north-eastern US coast, causing heavy snowfall and travel chaos, with over a foot of snow blanketing cities and leading to the cancellation of around 1,200 US flights. In-person schooling was suspended for thousands of students in New York, Pennsylvania, and Massachusetts, replaced with online classes. The storm also knocked out power to 150,000 Pennsylvania residents and made travel dangerous, leading to minor car accidents in Boston and New York City. New York City's public schools experienced technical problems with online learning, prompting criticism and frustration from officials.
Dense fog in Delhi has disrupted travel, with dozens of flights and trains delayed, leaving passengers stranded at the airport. The Indian Meteorological Department predicts light rains and thundershowers, accompanied by gusty winds, and moderate fog for the next few days. Delhi and the rest of north India have been experiencing cold wave conditions, with the coldest January in 13 years recorded.
Storm Isha caused chaos for air travel across the UK and Ireland, leading to numerous flight diversions. Passengers found themselves hundreds of miles away from their intended destinations, with some flights ending up in different countries altogether. Ryanair was particularly affected, with several of its flights diverted to locations far from their original routes. The storm-related disruptions impacted multiple airlines, leading to widespread travel chaos and lengthy delays.
Germany is facing major travel disruption as train drivers' strike and ongoing farmer protests add to the chaos, with tractors blocking roads and highways. The government's plans to repurpose pandemic funds and address the climate crisis have led to political tensions, with the economy minister facing protests and the agriculture sector pushing back against subsidy cuts. The situation, described as resembling a general strike, is causing concern ahead of crucial elections in the country.
A snowstorm in southern Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and the Czech Republic has caused travel chaos, with Munich's airport grounding all flights until 6 a.m. Sunday and other airports in the region experiencing delays and cancellations. Trains to and from Munich's central station were also halted, and public transportation in Munich was severely affected. Downed trees left many without power in Bavaria, and a soccer match in Munich was canceled. Austria and Switzerland raised avalanche warnings, and the Czech Republic faced road closures, delays, and power outages.
A snowstorm in southern Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and the Czech Republic has caused travel chaos, with Munich's airport grounding all flights until 6 a.m. Sunday and other airports experiencing delays and cancellations. Trains to and from Munich's central station were also halted, leaving passengers stranded. Downed trees have left thousands without power in Bavaria, and a soccer match between Bayern Munich and Union Berlin was canceled. Austria and Switzerland have raised avalanche warnings, and the Czech Republic has faced road closures, delays, and power outages.