Flight Cancellations Pile Up as Winter Storm Enzo Hits Houston and the Gulf Coast

Winter storms in the Southeast are causing travelers some major headaches in both Houston and New Orleans on Tuesday, as snow and ice snarls flights.

The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a Winter Storm Warning for Houston and the surrounding area, in effect until at least 6 p.m. local time on Tuesday. The NWS forecasts up to four inches of snow, along with ice and wind gusts, which is expected to make travel in and out of the city difficult on Tuesday.

Travel from both Houston airports has been heavily impacted by the weather. According to FlightAware, as of 6 a.m. local time, nearly 500 flights, representing over 90% of the schedule, have been canceled at Houston Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH). At William P. Hobby Airport (HOU), 133 flights—also more than 90% of the schedule—have been canceled.

New Orleans International Airport (MSY) has also been significantly affected, with more than 120 departures canceled, accounting for close to 90% of its total outbound schedule. According to New Orleans & Company, the city is expected to receive three to six inches of snow.

Southwest Airlines and Spirit Airlines have already canceled all flights out of MSY on Tuesday.

Airline Waivers for Winter Storm Enzo

Several carriers are allowing travelers affected by this week’s weather to change flights without penalty or fare differences.

American Airlines has issued a waiver for travel through Jan. 22 for nearly 40 airports along the Gulf Coast, including major hubs such as Austin (AUS), Houston Bush (IAH), and New Orleans (MSY). The airline is allowing all impacted travelers to change their flights for new ones through Jan. 26 without penalty.

Delta Air Lines has issued a waiver for a growing list of airports along the Gulf Coast and Texas, including Austin (AUS), Charleston (CHA), Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW), New Orleans (MSY), San Antonio (SAT), and others. The waiver covers flights through these airports until Jan. 22 and allows travelers to rebook new flights through Jan. 25.

Southwest, which cancelled all of its flights out of New Orleans on Tuesday, has a waiver out for that airport along with Atlanta Hartsfield (ATL), Charleston (CHS), Jacksonville (JAX), and about 10 other airports through Jan. 22. Southwest is allowing those travelers to book new flights within 14 days of their original date of travel without any additional charges. 

United Airlines, the carrier most affected by the Houston cancellations, has issued a waiver for travel through Wednesday night at several dozen airports, including Houston Bush (IAH), Atlanta Hartsfield (ATL), all Dallas airports, New Orleans (MSY), San Antonio (SAT), and more. United is allowing impacted travelers to change to new flights scheduled by Jan. 25.