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Winter storm forces 70 cancellations, dips ABE January travel

Winter Storm Fern led to 70 cancellations; ABE passenger traffic fell 2.9% in January while cargo rose 6.5%.

Published Feb 24, 2026, 10:49 AM EST | ABE

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