When Do Flights Get Cancelled Due to Snow?

Snowfall is a beautiful natural phenomenon that occurs when ice crystals in a cloud stick together and turn into snowflakes. When it falls, it looks as if cotton is raining from the sky, but it can be concerning for the flight passengers who are about to get on a flight. Snowfall or excess Snow can result in delay or cancellation and, in the worst-case scenario, an accident. However, how much Snow can result in the cancellation of a flight? In this article, we briefly talk about under what circumstances flights get cancelled due to Snow and how much Snow can result in a flight cancellation. 

What Are The Circumstances Under which Flights Can Get Cancelled?

Snow can result in a flight being cancelled, but it only happens when there is a snowstorm, the location of the airport, and how much preparation the airport has made. However, planes are made to fly in cold temperatures, as they fly at a higher altitude where the temperature is already low. What is concerning is the condition of the ground and the visibility. Here are some conditions that can cause cancellation. 

• One of the primary reasons for the cancellation is the low visibility, which happens when a snowstorm occurs. During this time, Snow is actually not the problem, but due to low visibility, it is challenging and risky for planes to fly because poor visibility can result in catastrophic incidents. 
• Another reason is the accumulation of Snow on the runway and the taxiway, which makes it hard for the planes to take off or land. The presence of Snow on the runway can result in less friction, and at high speed, the plane might lose its balance. 
• During the Chilly seasons, Ice can form on the plane's body or around the aircraft, which can result in losing control over the wing joints and other functions. To prevent this, they spray a de-icing agent over the body of the plane, which melts the Ice from forming over the plane's body. 
• The situation can be even worse when it becomes windy when planes are strictly prohibited from taking off. If a plane flies during this time, it might result in a disbalance, so planes are not allowed to take off during this time. 

How Much Snow Can Result In A Delay Or Cancellation Of A Flight?

Airlines or Airports can not control the weather, but what they can do is apply security measures to avoid the risks or to keep the runway clear for the aircraft. The aviation industry follows the same rules and protocols that are made to prevent risks to the lives of the passengers and crew members; according to this rule, if the Snow is over 10 inches, they will not allow the flights to take off, and it will result in the delay or the cancellation of the flight. Even if they do not cancel the flight, they will apply safety measures and considerations, and flights will be flown again when the situation is ideal. 

What Can Passengers Do When Flights Are Cancelled Due To Snow?

Snowfall can last minutes or hours, so you should consider some things to deal with delayed or cancelled flights. Here are some suggestions. 

• Take the help of Airport Assistance: Delays and cancellations can be annoying, so the first obvious thing you will do is to book another flight. Actually, this is not ideal because the availability will be low, so it is suggested we seek assistance from the airport, as they will help you get better deals. 
• Book an Accommodation option: As mentioned before, snowstorms can last for minutes to hours. So, it is suggested you book an accommodation option which will allow you to get a place to relax until the Snow falls. 
• Access the Lounge: Airport Lounges are ideal places to be when you have just a few hours at the airport. You can sip beverages or have desserts while waiting for snowfall to end and the weather to clear again. 

Conclusion

In conclusion, flights can be delayed or cancelled because of the Snow. However, airports and airlines apply various security measures to keep the airport working and runways clear during heavy snowy days; they use big machinery and manpower equipped with high-tech gadgets and gears to keep it working. So, flights are most probably delayed in this situation. It is always suggested that you keep checking the flight status, and if it gets cancelled, then you must ask for assistance and have a backup plan.