Weather Snarls Flights at Charleston Airport

Stormy conditions lead to delays and cancellations for travelers

Mar. 16, 2026 at 10:08pm

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Severe weather moving through the Lowcountry on Monday caused significant delays and cancellations at Charleston International Airport. Flight tracking data showed around 75 delays and 38 cancellations as of Monday evening, with long lines forming inside the terminal as passengers tried to rebook flights or check their status. Some travelers, like Suzanne Degasperis and her daughter, were already on extended trips and worried they may get stranded on their way home due to the disruptions.

Why it matters

Charleston International Airport is a major transportation hub for the region, and severe weather events that disrupt flights can have widespread impacts on travelers and the local economy. The airport's ability to quickly recover from these types of weather-related issues is crucial for maintaining reliable air travel service.

The details

The stormy conditions moving through the Lowcountry on Monday led to a high volume of delays and cancellations at Charleston International Airport. Flight tracking data showed around 75 delays and 38 cancellations as of Monday evening, with the numbers continuing to climb as the storms progressed. Inside the terminal, long lines formed at bag drop counters and check-in desks as passengers tried to rebook flights or check their status. Some travelers, like Suzanne Degasperis and her daughter, were already on extended trips and worried they may get stranded on their way home due to the disruptions.

  • Stormy weather moved through the Lowcountry on Monday.

The players

Charleston International Airport

A major transportation hub serving the Charleston, South Carolina region.

Suzanne Degasperis

A traveler whose flight was impacted by the weather delays and cancellations.

Spencer Filipiak

A traveler who noticed unusually long lines at the airport due to the severe weather.

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What they’re saying

“We are really nervous and stressed out. We see all these cancellations and our flight is the only flight that has not been canceled, so we're a little nervous about that.”

— Suzanne Degasperis

“Besides the crazy rocky weather, just general extra longer lines. They're being extra safe with everything we got going on, but with this weather — I travel all the time — it's been crazy.”

— Spencer Filipiak

What’s next

Airlines say safety is the top priority during storms, which can slow down takeoffs and landings as planes wait for safe windows to fly. Passengers are encouraged to check their flight status before heading to the airport and to plan for extra time when traveling during severe weather. Even after conditions improve locally, delays can continue if flights are backed up at other airports across the country.

The takeaway

The weather-related disruptions at Charleston International Airport highlight the vulnerability of air travel to severe storms and the importance of airports and airlines being able to quickly recover from these types of events. Travelers should stay informed about weather conditions and be prepared for potential delays when flying during stormy periods.