Omicron, the weather to blame for more than 100 flight cancellations at SFO

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Omicron, the weather to blame for more than 100 flight cancellations at SFO

The combination of weather and Omicron conditions is causing continued cancellations and delays to flights at San Francisco International Airport.

SAN FRANCISCO – The combination of weather conditions and the omicron results in continued cancellations and delays of flights at San Francisco International Airport.

While the weather may clear up locally, this is not the case on the east coast. The highly contagious variant of COVID-19 and the snow pounding the east coast is a proverbial double whammy.

The only silver lining, this time in early January and February there is usually a lull in air travel so fewer passengers are affected.

Weather and COVID-related staff shortages caused 102 cancellations at SFO, or about 11% of all flights, and nearly 70 delays, affecting about 7% of all flights.

“It seems to be a mix of weather-related issues, not only here but in other parts of the country, as well as personnel issues,” said Doug Yakel of San Francisco International Airport. “Unfortunately, we don’t really get a breakdown of how much either is.”

SFO says airlines are working to inform passengers early enough so that they do not show up at the airport, waiting for a flight for hours. “Really what we’re seeing is a lot of these cancellations don’t happen an hour before departure, they happen way in advance,” Yakel said.

“They happen overnight, so passengers can find out before they even show up at the airport, which is always what we hope for.”

The airport also said that one of the good things about COVID is that airlines are more understanding when passengers want to cancel or change reservations, so if travel isn’t needed now, try rescheduling.

SEE ALSO: Flight canceled? Here’s how to get a refund

“Take this opportunity if you want to make changes yourself,” Yakel said. “If you don’t and your flight is delayed or canceled, take advantage of the technology to sign up for these proactive flight notifications so you know it before you set foot at the airport.”

The airport pointed out that SFO had excellent flight conditions earlier this week, and no delays, only cancellations, which may indicate that the delays are likely caused by weather conditions, the cancellations are likely personnel related.

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