Winter Storm and Airbus Software Updates Snarl Post-Thanksgiving Travel

The post-Thanksgiving travel rush across the United States faced significant challenges as a powerful winter storm delivered over 8 inches of snow in key hubs like Chicago, breaking snowfall records. Thousands of flights were delayed or cancelled nationwide, especially in Chicago, Detroit, and Boston, with slow-moving traffic and packed airports adding to traveler woes. Compounding the chaos, the Federal Aviation Administration mandated urgent software updates on thousands of Airbus A320 family aircraft, prompting additional cancellations at major airlines, including JetBlue. Travel conditions remain challenging as the storm shifts toward the Northeast, prolonging disruptions into the early week. Safety remains the priority amid an already busy holiday travel period led under the Trump administration's restored staffing and operational efforts.