Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy told CNBC on Monday that air travel is expected to return to normal by Wednesday.
This announcement comes after thousands of flights were canceled due to a significant winter storm that impacted much of the country.
Duffy explained that the storm caused unique challenges, including ice and snow, compounded by a cold weather snap.
He indicated that the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) needs two more days to fully recover from the disruptions.
During the weekend, more than 15,000 flights were canceled, which marked the largest cancellation day since the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020.
Despite January typically being a low season for air travel, the winter storm affected hundreds of thousands of travelers across the U.S.
As of Monday morning, Duffy reported that over 4,000 flights were still canceled for the day, along with nearly 10,000 delays.
The FAA is currently focused on salting and clearing runways while dealing with lower staffing levels due to difficulties in commuting during the storm.
Major airlines, including American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, JetBlue Airways, Southwest Airlines, and United Airlines, have announced they are waiving cancellation fees for customers who need to rebook their flights.
This decision aims to ease the burden on travelers affected by the storm-related cancellations.
Duffy noted that as the FAA works towards full recovery, there would be more capacity and fuller flights as travelers return to their destinations. He emphasized, “Wednesday is our target date to get back to normal.”
The winter storm’s impact has been significant, creating a “massive disruption” in air travel. Duffy pointed out that the storm's combination of ice and snow makes navigating the conditions challenging for airline operations.
As the country deals with the fallout from the storm, Duffy reassured travelers that the FAA is working hard to restore normal operations. Travelers are encouraged to check with their airlines for the latest updates on flight statuses and to take advantage of the waivers for rebooking if necessary.
Airlines and the FAA are preparing for a busy week ahead as they aim to normalize operations by Wednesday. Travelers are advised to remain patient and stay informed about their flight statuses. With the FAA focusing on recovery efforts, travelers can expect fuller flights as the week progresses.