Winter Weather Impacts Travel

February 24th, 2026 | Airport News

70 flight cancellations in January at ABE

(Hanover Township, PA) - A massive winter storm in late January forced flight cancellations and contributed to a dip in travel activity at Lehigh Valley International Airport (ABE).

Last month, 71,899 passengers used ABE - a 2.9% decrease from Jan. 2025.

"Winter Storm Fern and other weather-related events resulted in (70) flight cancellations at ABE. This winter feels like a never-ending season for our Snow Operations team. We appreciate their valiant efforts to keep us operating and the public flying," said Thomas R. Stoudt, Executive Director, Lehigh-Northampton Airport Authority (LNAA).

Month Passengers (Percentage decrease) Month Passengers

Jan. '26 71,899 2.9% Jan. '25 74,038

By the numbers, Allegiant jumped 1.9% and Delta remained flat for the month. Meanwhile, American Airlines declined 11.7%, and United dropped 18.4%.

Travel Advisory!

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) requires air travelers without a Real ID or another acceptable ID to pay a $45 fee to verify their identity through TSA Confirm.

Click here to learn more about the program - https://tsa.gov/tsaconfirm-id

More Connections to Chicago !

American Airlines announced last month the return of nonstop flights from ABE to Chicago O'Hare International Airport starting May 21, 2026.

Departures from ABE to ORD: 6:00 a.m. and 5:18 p.m.

Arrivals to ABE from ORD: 4:48 p.m. and 10:15 p.m.

Moving Freight

18,353,741 pounds of air cargo was processed through Lehigh Valley International Airport (ABE) in January - an increase of 6.5% from Jan. 2025.

Month Cargo (lbs.) Percentage Increase Month Cargo (lbs.)

Jan. '26 18,353,741 6.5% Jan. '25 17,240,530