Winter storm cuts over 180 flights at CLT airport. What passengers should know
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- Winter Storm Fern prompts 70+ flight cancellations at CLT and rising.
- CLT mobilizes 40+ deicing vehicles and pre-treats lots to preserve access.
- American waives change fees, issues travel alerts and shifts staff to hubs.
Winter Storm Fern is already spoiling weekend travel plans for Charlotte airport passengers, with a forecast of snow, sleet, and freezing rain looming over the state.
After 4 p.m. Friday, more than 180flights were canceled for Saturday and Sunday at Charlotte Douglas International Airport, according to FlightAware. These totals are expected to climb as the storm nears.
An Ice Storm Warning was issued for the area on Friday by the National Weather Service, the Charlotte Observer reported. Meteorologists expect ice accumulations ranging from a quarter inch to three-quarters of an inch on surfaces between 1 p.m. Saturday and 1 p.m. Monday. Snowfall is unlikely, with only an inch or less anticipated across the region.
Storm preparations underway at Charlotte Douglas
CLT is monitoring the forecast and is ready to implement additional safety protocols as needed, according to a Thursday update. The airport cautioned that weather conditions can cause major schedule changes and recommended that travelers be prepared for extensive delays and interruptions.
CLT’s snow teams have mobilized more than 40 specialized vehicles to handle deicing and snow removal. As a National Weather Service-certified StormReady facility, the airport has begun pretreating parking lots and decks with deicing materials to help ensure safe and accessible travel for passengers.
The airport’s aviation department is staying in close contact with its main hub carrier, American Airlines, which operates about 90% of the flights at Charlotte Douglas International Airport.
American Airlines issues travel alerts and flexibility
To support passengers ahead of the approaching storm, American Airlines is waiving change fees this weekend for those traveling to, from, or through Charlotte. Customers can find more information and manage their travel plans at aa.com or by calling reservations at 800-433-7300.
American Airlines reports it is closely monitoring the storm’s trajectory and is issuing travel alerts to help customers make informed decisions. The airline is moving aircraft and staff to key locations and adding extra workers at major airports. American will also work with partners to normalize flight schedules as conditions improve.
“Our top priority is the safety of our customers and team members as we continue to monitor the storm and adjust our operations,” the airline said in a Thursday notice.
Airport officials are encouraging all travelers to verify their flight status with their airline before heading to the airport.
Gov. Josh Stein has declared a State of Emergency for North Carolina. In a news release, Transportation Secretary Daniel Johnson urged people not to drive during the storm unless it is absolutely necessary.
“Protect yourselves, your families, and first responders by being patient and prioritizing safety,” Johnson said.
Fern approaches Charlotte region
The forecast for the storm’s arrival continues to shift, with the latest projections indicating that sleet will begin late Saturday afternoon, according to meteorologists.
Areas north of Interstate 40 are expected to see mostly snow, while freezing rain will likely dominate areas to the south.
For the Charlotte area, sleet is projected to begin around 5 p.m. Saturday, accompanied by wind gusts near 23 mph. By about 8 p.m., a mix of sleet and freezing rain is expected, and, at times, sleet could be heavy, forecasters warn. Overnight lows will drop to around 20 degrees.
On Sunday, freezing rain and sleet are forecast to continue throughout the day and into the night, with temperatures again falling to near 20 degrees.
The National Weather Service has issued an Ice Storm Warning for the Carolinas, cautioning that significant ice accumulation will make travel hazardous or even impossible.
This story was originally published January 23, 2026 at 12:23 PM.
