What Triggered the Ground Stop
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issued the ground stop for Delta flights at DTW early Monday morning, December 29, initially until 7:45 a.m., amid severe winter weather. Snow squalls reduced visibility dramatically, with airport video showing planes barely visible in the heavy snowfall.
High winds compounded the issue, prompting nonstop snow removal efforts by maintenance crews. Travelers reported cancellations to destinations including Chicago Midway, Des Moines, Iowa, and White Plains, as part of broader U.S. flight disruptions from blizzards and ice storms.
Earlier that morning, the Delta-specific stop was lifted around 8 a.m., but weather persisted, leading to a broader ground delay expected until nearly midnight.
Impacts on Travelers and Flights
Passengers faced significant chaos, with delays ranging from 40 minutes to over two hours. One traveler described receiving back-to-back delay notifications, while others like James Blohm had flights to New Orleans canceled after hours-long waits for luggage.
FlightAware data showed 435 delays and 72 cancellations at DTW by evening, with departure delays averaging 1 hour 15 minutes (decreasing) and arrivals facing 31-45 minutes (increasing). This followed 10,000 nationwide delays and 800 cancellations the previous day.
Holiday travelers, many with families and children, were caught in the 'last harrah' rush before New Year's, amplifying frustration amid ongoing weather threats across the Midwest and Northeast.
Current Status and Outlook
By late December 29, the initial Delta ground stop was lifted, but snow removal and weather monitoring continued. Airport officials urged passengers to check flight status before heading out.
Ground temperatures remained cold despite warming forecasts, raising concerns for ice. The full ground delay was set to end at 11:59 p.m., but extensions remained possible if conditions worsened.
Delta, as DTW's primary operator, bore the brunt, highlighting vulnerabilities at key hubs during winter storms. Travelers are advised to monitor FAA updates and airline apps for real-time information.