Parts of the United States are preparing for further days of flight disruptions as authorities warn of a severe impending winter storm set to strike the south east of the country.
On January 29, 2026, US airlines began warning passengers of potential disruptions this coming weekend, with those likely to be affected given the opportunity to change their plans at no cost.
Storm Gianna comes just over a week after airlines alerted passengers to Winter Storm Fern, which resulted in thousands of flights across the US being cancelled.
This time, experts are warning of a bomb cyclone striking the southeastern coast, bringing extremely cold weather and heavy snow from January 30 to February 1, 2026.
According to meteorologists at the BBC, a bomb cyclone is described as “a storm that undergoes explosive cyclogenesis, where its pressure drops very quickly – by 24 millibars or more in 24 hours”.
We are closely monitoring Winter Storm Gianna and have issued a travel alert allowing those whose plans may be affected to make a fee-free change to their travel plans.
As winter weather may impact travel, flexible options and latest information can be found on the American app…
— americanair (@AmericanAir) January 29, 2026
In its latest update, the government’s National Weather Service said: “A rapidly intensifying coastal cyclone is forecast to bring heavy snow, high winds, and blizzard conditions for the Carolinas this weekend. The same weather system will spread high winds and coastal flooding potentials up and down the Eastern Seaboard by later in the weekend. An intense surge of arctic air behind the coastal storm will send below freezing temperatures down toward South Florida by Sunday morning.”
In preparation, Delta Air Lines declared that over 20 airports used by the airline could be affected by Storm Gianna between January 31 and February 1, 2026.
“Winter weather may impact travel in Atlanta and select Southeastern airports on Sat, Jan. 31. We encourage you to move your flight at no charge to minimize travel disruptions,” the airline said.
United Airlines listed 14 destinations that could face problems, with affected passengers given the option to move their flight for free.
“You can reschedule your trip and we’ll waive change fees and fare differences. But your new flight must be a United flight departing between January 28, and February 8, 2026. Tickets must be in the same cabin and between the same cities as originally booked,” the airline said.
A weak atmospheric river will continue periods of gusty winds, rain, and mountain snow over the Pacific Northwest through Friday. A rapidly deepening storm centered just off the North Carolina coast Friday night through Saturday night will produce widespread heavy snow and wind… pic.twitter.com/4lDBWpXRVv
— National Weather Service (@NWS) January 30, 2026
American Airlines named almost 30 locations where passengers could potentially experience delays or cancellations, again offering customers the chance to change their bookings.
“We are closely monitoring Winter Storm Gianna and have issued a travel alert allowing those whose plans may be affected to make a fee-free change to their travel plans,” it advised.
According to Southwest Airlines, nine of its airports could have flights delayed, diverted, and/or canceled between January 31 and February 1, 2026.
It stated: “Customers holding reservations to, from, or through the city(s) listed on the corresponding date(s) may rebook or travel standby (within 14 days of their original date of travel between the original city pairs) without paying a change in airfare.”
