Some MKE flights canceled on Christmas Eve, airlines cite spike in Omicron cases as factor
MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- So far, just four flights have been canceled coming in or leaving Mitchell International Airport in Milwaukee on Christmas Eve, according to the airport website.
Two arrivals and two departures were canceled. Three of those flights were Delta Air Lines, following an announcement that the airline would cancel 150 flights across the US on Friday, Dec. 24.
Most of those flights canceled at Mitchell International Airport were early morning flights.
"We apologize to our customers for the delay in their holiday travel plans," Delta said in a statement. "Delta people are working hard to get them to where they need to be as quickly and as safely as possible on the next available flight."
For Jeff and Gayleen Carson, Milwaukee's airport was smooth, but it wasn't the same at their connecting flight.
"We just transferred at Chicago. Oh my gosh, that was crazy," said Gayleen Carson.
Their mother was supposed to arrive in Milwaukee at the same time as them from Detroit, and her flight was canceled. Now she'll have to fly out to New York's La Guardia Airport to get here.
"The fact that they told us just last night, that's really frustrating. I understand things happen, said Gayleen. "But that's crazy , and she is an elder."
"Less than 12 hours (notice)," added Jeff Carson.
United Airlines also canceled more than 100 Friday flights, according to flight tracking site FlightAware. So far, none of those flights have impacted Mitchell International Airport directly.
Delta cited winter weather and a rise in COVID-19 cases for the cancelations.
Families are also feeling the burden of the Omicron variant. Erin Davis said her kids were hoping to see their dad for Christmas.
"Their dad traveled last week to Chicago and unfortunately contracted a mild case of Covid," said Davis.
The news coming in just as they were heading home to Dallas to see him. Now, they'll stay back a little longer.
"They've already Facetimed dad, and we'll wish him a Merry Christmas from afar" said Davis.
Delta said they plan to continue to cancel 150 flights daily through Sunday.
If you are planning to fly for the holiday, you can check flight schedules for Mitchell International Airport here.