A powerful winter storm sweeping across the United States has severely disrupted air travel, forcing the cancellation of about 12,000 flights over the weekend and affecting international routes, including services to and from Ghana.
United Airlines has cancelled flight UA997 from Accra to Washington Dulles, which was scheduled to depart on Sunday, January 25, 2026.
The decision follows widespread shutdowns at major US airports as airlines respond to hazardous weather conditions marked by heavy snow, ice accumulation and extreme cold.
Passengers affected by the cancellation were left stranded at the Kotoka International Airport in Accra, with United Airlines advising travellers to check its mobile app or official website for updates.
However, the airline has announced travel waivers and flexible rebooking options for customers impacted by the severe weather.
Major aviation hubs such as Washington Dulles, Newark and Chicago have been among the hardest hit, with airport operations slowed by icy runways and dangerously low temperatures.
Meteorologists say the storm is unusual due to a sharp temperature plunge following intense snowfall, complicating cleanup and recovery efforts.
More than 140 million people across the US have been placed under winter weather warnings, with wind chill temperatures dropping to as low as minus 40 degrees Fahrenheit in some areas.
Furthermore, aviation authorities warn that even as departures gradually resume, delays and cancellations are likely to persist, particularly for connecting flights within the US.
Travellers flying from Ghana to the United States have been advised to expect continued disruptions into the early part of the week as airlines work to restore normal schedules.
