High Winds Ground Hundreds of DIA Flights, Stranding Colorado Travelers Until Evening
Severe wind conditions have forced a complete ground stop at Denver International Airport (DIA) until at least 5:30 p.m., disrupting travel plans for hundreds of Colorado families and business travelers. The Federal Aviation Administration issued the ground stop at 4 p.m., adding to existing widespread delays that had already impacted the airport throughout the afternoon.
According to FlightAware, the situation has severely affected Colorado's primary air hub, with 432 flights delayed and 6 cancellations as of 4:20 p.m. The ground delay program is expected to continue until 9 p.m., with flights averaging 49-minute delays.
Impact on Colorado's Major Airlines
The disruption has particularly affected Colorado's two largest carriers:
- Southwest Airlines - 187 flights delayed
- United Airlines - 112 flights delayed
Travel Advisory for Colorado Residents
Front Range travelers should be aware of these significant disruptions, especially those with connecting flights or evening travel plans. The situation particularly impacts:
- Business travelers returning home for the weekend
- Military personnel traveling to and from Colorado Springs bases
- Families beginning summer vacation travel
- Denver metro residents with evening flight plans
Travelers are advised to check their flight status directly with their airlines and prepare for potential extended delays. The wind-related ground stop affects both incoming and outgoing flights at Colorado's largest airport, which serves as a crucial hub for regional and national air travel.
This is a developing situation that may affect travel plans into the evening hours. Colorado travelers should stay in contact with their airlines for the most current flight information and potential rebooking options.
This article contains AI-generated content and reflects opinion only. Readers are encouraged to verify all information independently before drawing conclusions or making decisions.