Weather, TSA staff shortages impact more flights at LMM airport.

Flight cancellations at Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport in Carolina came as the eastern half of the United States endured a succession of heavy snowfall, high winds and hazardous road conditions across the Upper Midwest and Mid‑Atlantic, according to reports.

By THE STAR STAFF

More than a dozen flights were canceled Tuesday at Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport in Carolina as severe weather across the United States continued to impact air travel. An updated report from Aerostar Airport Holdings LLC confirmed that seven incoming flights to Puerto Rico were canceled and one arrival delayed, while five departing flights from the island were also canceled.

Airlines affected include American Airlines, Frontier, JetBlue and Spirit Airlines, with canceled or delayed routes connecting to Pennsylvania, Illinois, Florida, New York and Texas. In total, 1,349 passengers were affected by the disruptions, Aerostar reported.

The cancellations in San Juan came as the eastern half of the United States endured a succession of heavy snowfall, high winds, and hazardous road conditions across the Upper Midwest and Mid‑Atlantic, according to reports earlier in the week. Meteorologists warned that states in the Mid‑Atlantic and Washington, D.C. faced elevated risks of severe winds and potential tornado activity as a strong cold front pushed through the region.

Compounding the weather‑related disruptions, airports across the country are experiencing staffing shortages due to the ongoing partial shutdown of the Department of Homeland Security, which has left the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) without full funding. TSA officers have been working without pay since the lapse began on Feb. 14, leading to rising absenteeism at airport security checkpoints nationwide, according to mainland media outlets.

Federal officials have warned that the budget crisis could force smaller U.S. airports to shut down in the coming weeks due to a shortage of security personnel. Acting Deputy TSA Administrator Adam Stahl stated that if call‑outs continue to rise, “it may not be hyperbole” that airports could face temporary closures. 

Major hubs in Atlanta, Houston, New Orleans and New York have already reported extended wait times of up to several hours, with some travelers missing flights due to the lack of available security staff. TSA unions report that officers working without pay are struggling to cover basic living expenses, fueling more absences and further stressing airport operations.