Weather concerns led Delta to proactively cancel flights in Atlanta Friday, as storms and heat created travel risks.
ATLANTA — With nearly 200 flights canceled in the overnight hours into Friday morning at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, with Delta Air Lines, responsible for most of the disruptions.
The Atlanta-based airline confirmed with 11Alive that the cancellations were made proactively due to severe summer weather affecting operations.
According to Delta, the airline’s Operations and Customer Center in Atlanta worked closely with its in-house meteorology team to assess weather risks. The decision to cancel flights was made in advance to protect passengers and crew, a Delta spokesperson said.
“Yes, there are proactive cancellations today in Atlanta due to severe summer weather,” said a spokesperson for Delta Air Lines on Friday. “Safety for our passengers and crew is our top priority.”
According to the 11Alive Weather Impact Team, Friday’s high could reach 94 degrees, but it will feel even hotter due to humidity. Storms are expected to develop in the afternoon and evening, bringing heavy rain, lightning and gusty winds to parts of northeast Georgia and the Atlanta area. The Storm Prediction Center placed the region under a Level 1 risk for severe weather on Friday.
Thursday’s storm already brought a challenge for airline crews operating in and out of Hartsfield-Jackson, with some flights beyond delayed for hours.
Total delays and cancellations at Atlanta Airport Friday, August 1 |
As of 3 p.m.
- Cancellations: 261
- Delays: 506
What travelers flying through Atlanta need to know
Delta encourages passengers to check their flight status and be prepared for delays at Hartsfield-Jackson, which could continue depending on weather conditions. While the airline has not reported system issues, the volume of cancellations may impact connecting flights and cause travel disruptions beyond Atlanta.
RELATED: Strong storms moving out of metro Atlanta Thursday night
About Delta’s in-house meteorology team
According to its website, Delta operates the largest in-house meteorology team among U.S. airlines, with 28 staff members monitoring forecasts around the clock. The team updates weather models every six hours and provides guidance to flight planners, dispatchers and station managers, especially when storms may impact major hubs like Atlanta’s airport.
Forecasts from this team help determine:
- Whether to delay or cancel flights in advance
- If pilots should reroute flights to avoid turbulence
- When to notify travelers of schedule changes
Each day begins with a five-day weather outlook focused on Delta’s hubs, including Atlanta, to help operational teams prepare. This early planning is crucial when summer storms develop quickly.
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Delta meteorologist Warren Weston explained that safety is the core goal behind these decisions, especially during irregular operations. The team provides specialized forecasts for both ground and upper air conditions, including turbulence and storm activity up to 40,000 feet.
The airline also equips flight crews with a tool called Widget Weather, allowing pilots to track real-time weather and turbulence data from the flight deck.
For more on how Delta makes weather-based flight decisions, visit: Behind the scenes with a Delta Air Lines meteorologist.
