Flights from Cleveland Hopkins International Airport are mostly on time, but experts warn COVID-19 could cause problems until 2022

CLEVELAND, Ohio (WOIO) – Flights so far have been mostly on time at Cleveland Hopkins International Airport, despite thousands of delays and cancellations across the country due to COVID- 19 and bad weather.

According to FlightAware.com, Cleveland Airport recorded just nine cancellations between Boxing Day and December 27.

As of Monday, the website reported more than 6,000 delays entering and exiting US airports and 1,300 more were canceled.

“It’s a little frustrating, but I understand that too,” Kierea Simms told 19 News in Hopkins.

She said her flight to Atlanta was canceled on Sunday.

“I was told in the email that it was because of the pandemic and the lack of staff,” she said.

While misery has been minimized in northeast Ohio, other parts of the country are struggling.

Winter weather was blamed for nearly 400 cancellations to or from Seattle airport on Sunday and Monday.

Many airlines also reported personnel issues; too many workers are calling sick with COVID-19 to maintain normal flight operations.

“In the past, when we saw these massive cancellation events, it was one or two airlines that had a collapse. At present, Omicron is an equal opportunity violator. He goes after everyone, ”Willis Orlando of Scott’s Cheap Flights told CNN.

And the problems should continue.

“We expect the New Years weekend to be very, very busy with many travelers flying and we expect these delays to continue, in particular there is more bad weather,” said Orlando.

He points out that travelers are entitled to refunds if they are not interested in a new flight.

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