Omicron spread hinders holiday travel
More than 2,300 flights were canceled or delayed globally as countries grapple with the spread of the new variant.
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Delayed travelers at JFK airport in NYC (The New York Times)
More than 2,300 flights are reported to have been delayed or canceled globally due to increasing infection rates of the Omicron variant.
According to Flightaware.com, over 2,325 flights have been delayed or canceled. On Christmas Day, Saturday, 1,400 flights are scheduled as canceled.
Increased Covid infections are the reason for the mass delays as more pilots, flight attendants, and other airport personnel are unable to be present for work.
US airline carrier United Airlines released a statement announcing that "The nationwide spike in Omicron cases this week has had a direct impact on our flight crews and the people who run our operation."
The airline divulged it was attempting to resolve the issues for passengers and rebook them where possible.
Delta also canceled 166 flights and reported that it "exhausted all options and resources-including rerouting and substitutions of aircraft and crews to cover scheduled flying." The company apologized for any inconvenience or delays.
Alaska's airlines were also affected after some employees were required to self-isolate from potential exposure to Covid.
The Omicron variant has become the prevalent strain in the US, overburdening numerous hospitals and healthcare personnel.
