U.S. airlines cancel more than 1,000 flights

U.S. airlines have canceled or delayed thousands of flights as Hurricane Helene intensifies and is set to make landfall in Florida’s Big Bend area this evening.

As of 11:59 A.M. ET, there were 1,038 canceled flights and 1,672 delays reported by flight tracking site Flight Aware. Southwest Airlines led with 201 cancellations, followed closely by American Airlines and Delta Air Lines.

Authorities have issued urgent warnings, urging residents in coastal areas along the hurricane’s path to evacuate due to the threat of severe winds and a potentially life-threatening storm surge.

Airports in affected regions, including Tampa International, Orlando International, and Fort Lauderdale International, have also notified travelers via X about possible delays and cancellations.

American Airlines has released a travel advisory for airports in the Southeastern U.S. and the Gulf of Mexico, with JetBlue and Southwest Airlines issuing similar advisories.