United, Delta, Alaska Airlines cancel flights Christmas Eve due to omicron
Dec 24, 2021, 8:49 AM | Updated: 9:08 am
A ground crew prepares to unload luggage from an arriving Delta Airlines flight at the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport in 2020 in Seattle, Washington. (File photo by John Moore/Getty Images)
(File photo by John Moore/Getty Images)
A number of flights have been canceled at Sea-Tac International Airport this Christmas Eve due to the omicron variant of COVID-19, and hundreds more are being canceled across the United States.
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KIRO 7 TV reports that Alaska, Delta, and United Airlines have all confirmed they will be canceling flights, with omicron playing a role, partially because so many crew members are either infected with COVID-19 or in quarantine. That’s making it more difficult to find enough workers for Christmas.
The Associated Press says United canceled 170 flights and Delta called off 133, according to FlightAware.
“The nationwide spike in omicron cases this week has had a direct impact on our flight crews and the people who run our operation,” United said in a statement. “As a result, we’ve unfortunately had to cancel some flights and are notifying impacted customers in advance of them coming to the airport.”
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It’s possible that the snow forecasted for the Puget Sound region this weekend could impact trips as well. Delta issued a travel waiver for those who may be impacted by winter weather in Seattle on Dec. 25-26. The fare difference will be waived for customers when rebooked travel occurs on or before Dec. 29.
The Associated Press and KIRO 7 TV News Staff contributed to this report.
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