GRAPEVINE (CBSDFW.COM) - DFW International Airport reported freezing rain and a temperature of 30 degrees early on Friday morning, as the airport remains under a Winter Storm Warning. The icy weather has resulted in airlines canceling over 340 departures scheduled for Friday.
That represents 40 percent of Friday’s flights leaving DFW International Airport.
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According to airport spokesman David Magana, only a “handful” of flights are leaving DFW before 11:00 a.m. Friday morning. DFW airport officials say no more than ten flights per hour have been taking off this morning. Anybody trying to catch a plane is urged to check with their airline to get the latest flight information, or visit the airport’s website or mobile app to receive updates.
DFW’s largest carrier, American Airlines and American Eagle, canceled nearly 1,000 flights Friday. At 10:30 a.m., the airline announced it was halting all DFW departures until 1:30 p.m. to allow time for clearing the runways and ramp areas. American said it would waive ticket change fees and rebook passengers traveling to or from areas affected by the storm. Crews have already treated airport runways, ramps and taxiways with de-icing agents, and are continuing to monitor those areas. Those de-icing measures are also being conducted for every departing flight.
Inside, the terminals are crowded with passengers trying to leave the airport. Eric Schwarz, who came to the airport dressed the Virgin Islands, remained optimistic that he would catch his flight.
“I’m assuming we’re going to make it. They canceled our Miami flight. We’re going to Puerto Rico stay the night. Hopefully we will get there tomorrow morning,” he said.
“We did have a lot of people stranded here because of the overnight cancellations, and so you are seeing the result of that this morning,” said Magana. ”We’re advising passengers please check ahead before you come to the airport and make sure your flight is still there.” Airport officials say they handed out five thousand cots overnight.
Travelers wait in long lines at DFW Airport during winter storm. (credit: CBS 11/Stephanie Lucero)
Meanwhile, roads surrounding DFW International Airport are said to be “passable, but treacherous” with slush and ice meeting drivers, especially on the bridges and overpasses. Roads have also been treated with de-icing agents and sand, and plowed as needed, as airport officials are working with the Texas Department of Transportation to ensure the safety of travelers. However, motorists are still advised to use extreme caution when driving to or from the airport.
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