Over 1.5K Flights Canceled as Storm Devin Hits US Northeast

Does winter storm Devin expose infrastructure failure, or does it show airlines responsibly managing predictable weather?
Over 1.5K Flights Canceled as Storm Devin Hits US Northeast
Above: A departures board in Terminal B at LaGuardia Airport in the Queens borough of New York on Dec. 26, 2025. Image credit: Michael Nagle/Bloomberg/Getty Images

The Spin

Establishment-critical narrative

Winter storm Devin exposes the fragility of U.S. transportation infrastructure during predictable seasonal weather events. Every year the same pattern repeats — a single storm triggers nationwide chaos, stranding families and freezing supply chains because the system lacks adequate buffers. This isn't about overreaction; it's about critical economic lifelines consistently failing the same stress test.

Pro-establishment narrative

Airlines proactively canceled over 1,500 flights ahead of winter storm Devin to prevent worse disruptions during peak holiday travel. Carriers waived change fees and fare differences to accommodate passengers, demonstrating responsible planning for a major weather event affecting the Northeast. Canceling flights early prevents planes, crews and connecting travelers from getting stranded across the network.

Metaculus Prediction


Public Figures



© 2025 Improve the News Foundation. All rights reserved.Version 6.20.1

© 2025 Improve the News Foundation.

All rights reserved.

Version 6.20.1