Southwest Operating “Close to Normal” in Chicago After Running Out of De-Icing Fluid
by Jessica Montevago /Southwest Airlines is recovering from cancelling about 220 flights in Chicago due to a de-icing shortage on Sunday.
The airline said Monday it would be able to operate “close to normal” at Midway Airport
Following a major snowstorm in the Midwest, Southwest ran out of de-icing fluid. The airline was able to replenish its supply of glycol, the antifreeze material used to deice airplanes, by Monday.
In a statement issued to Chicago media, the airline said:
"Southwest Airlines Operational Planners continue to carefully track winter weather moving through Chicago (Midway). Throughout the storms, we've actively worked to manage our glycol levels (used to de-ice aircraft) but due to the severity of the winter weather Southwest has proactively canceled about 220 flights as of midday Sunday, Feb. 11, 2018. We have paused our service for the remainder of the day for the Safety of our Customers and Crews. We have updated our Customer accommodation policies, which are on our website. We will continue to work with our Customers on their travel plans and apologize for any inconvenience the disruption in service has caused."