Winter Weather Woes: Buffalo Airport Flight Delays Explained

As of December 21, 2024, Buffalo Niagara International Airport (BUF) was experiencing general departure and arrival delays of 15 minutes or less. More recently, on January 8, 2025, the airport experienced similar delays of 15 minutes or less, with no destination-specific delays reported. The current delay status at BUF is low and decreasing, with weather conditions indicating a chance of snow and winds gusting up to 30 mph.

Delays of 15 minutes or less for both arrivals and departures

As of the 8th of January 2025, Buffalo Niagara International Airport (BUF) is experiencing general departure and arrival delays of 15 minutes or less. Departure delays are due to gate hold and taxi issues, whereas arrival delays are airborne. This information is not flight-specific, so it is advised to check with your airline to determine if your flight is affected.

The current weather conditions are likely to impact airport operations and cause further delays. There is a chance of snow this morning, with snow likely this afternoon and accumulation expected to be an inch or less. Winds are currently 5 to 10 mph, but they are expected to increase to 10 to 15 mph with gusts of up to 30 mph. The chance of snow is 70%, increasing to 90% later in the day.

Lake effect snow is also expected, with an additional accumulation of 1 to 2 inches. Lows will be between 15 to 20 degrees, and winds will become south-westerly, with gusts of up to 30 mph. The chance of snow remains high at 90%.

Snow is also expected on Monday, with a 50% chance of snow showers and lows of zero to 5 degrees.

Delays caused by snow and wind

When such weather conditions occur, several factors come into play that can lead to flight delays. Snowfall and icy conditions can reduce visibility, making it unsafe for aircraft to take off and land. Additionally, snow accumulation on runways and taxiways can impede aircraft movement, requiring snow removal and de-icing operations to ensure safe operations. These procedures can take time and contribute to delays.

Wind is another significant factor affecting flight operations. Strong winds, particularly gusts, can impact aircraft performance during take-off and landing. High winds can also make it challenging for ground crews to guide aircraft to and from gates, leading to gate hold delays. Additionally, crosswinds above specific thresholds may require adjustments to flight procedures, such as using different runways or altering approach paths, which can also contribute to delays.

The combination of snow and wind can further exacerbate delays. Heavy snowfall coupled with strong winds can result in reduced visibility, snowdrifts, and challenging ground operations. In such conditions, de-icing procedures become more frequent and critical, as aircraft must be cleared of snow and ice to maintain aerodynamic performance. These necessary safety measures can extend the time aircraft spend on the ground, causing departure delays and affecting the punctuality of arrivals.

It's important to note that while snow and wind can cause delays, the specific impact on a given day can vary. The duration and intensity of the snowfall, wind speed, and direction all play a role in determining the extent of delays. It's always advisable to check real-time airport and flight status for the most up-to-date information, as conditions can change rapidly.

Delays by destination

As of the 8th of January 2025, there are no destination-specific delays being reported at Buffalo Niagara International Airport (BUF). However, the airport is experiencing general departure and arrival delays. Departure traffic is facing gate hold and taxi delays of 15 minutes or less, while arrival traffic is encountering airborne delays, also of 15 minutes or less.

The current weather conditions at Buffalo Niagara International Airport are contributing to potential disruptions. There is a chance of snow in the morning, followed by expected snow in the early afternoon. Accumulation is predicted to be an inch or less, with highs in the mid-20s. West winds are expected to range from 5 to 10 mph, increasing to 10 to 15 mph. The likelihood of snow is 70%.

Lake effect snow may result in an additional accumulation of 1 to 2 inches in certain areas. Lows are forecast to be between 15 and 20, with west winds starting from 5 to 10 mph and then increasing to 10 to 15 mph. Gusts of up to 30 mph are possible. The probability of snow in these conditions is 90%.

Looking ahead, there is a chance of snow in the morning, followed by snow showers in the afternoon. An additional accumulation of 1 to 2 inches is expected. Highs are predicted to be in the upper 20s, with southwest winds of 10 to 15 mph. Gusts could reach up to 30 mph in the morning but are expected to diminish to 5 to 10 mph later in the day. The chance of snow is 80%.

Passengers are advised to check with their respective airlines for the most up-to-date information regarding any flight delays or disruptions, as the information provided here is of a general nature and may not apply to all flights.

Delays and the airport's location

Delays at Buffalo Niagara International Airport are common, with both arrivals and departures experiencing gate hold and taxi delays of 15 minutes or less. These delays are caused by a range of factors, including weather conditions and air traffic volume. Located in Buffalo, New York, the airport is subject to winter weather patterns that frequently impact operations. Snow and icy conditions can cause delays and cancellations, as well as strong winds and reduced visibility. The airport's location in a northern climate means that winter weather can be a persistent challenge for several months of the year.

The airport's proximity to the Canada–US border also presents unique challenges. Buffalo Niagara International Airport is located approximately 30 kilometres from the Niagara Falls border crossing, which is one of the busiest land border crossings in North America. This close proximity to an international border can introduce additional complexities, such as customs and immigration procedures, which may impact the flow of air traffic.

Additionally, the airport's location in the northeastern United States places it in a region with a high volume of air traffic. This dense air traffic in the region can lead to congestion and delays, particularly during peak travel times and holiday seasons. The airport's relatively smaller size compared to other major hubs in the region may also contribute to delays, as it has limited capacity to handle a large number of flights and passengers.

The airport code for Buffalo Niagara International Airport is BUF, and its address is Genesee Street, Buffalo, NY 14225, US. This information can be useful for travellers needing to check the status of their flights or for locating the airport. While the airport provides real-time status updates, travellers are advised to check with their respective airlines for flight-specific information, as delays can change rapidly due to various factors.

Delays and the role of the FAA

Delays at Buffalo Niagara International Airport and the role of the FAA

As of January 8th, 2025, Buffalo Niagara International Airport (BUF) was experiencing general departure and arrival delays of 15 minutes or less. These delays were due to gate hold and taxi issues for departures, and airborne delays for arrivals. While not specific to Buffalo, a chance of snow and west winds gusting up to 30 mph could also impact flights.

The FAA's Air Traffic Control System Command Center (ATCSCC) provides real-time airport status information, including any current delays. However, this information is general and not flight-specific. It is always recommended to check with your airline directly to determine if your flight is affected by any delays.

The FAA categorizes flight delays into five possible causes: carrier, weather, National Airspace System (NAS), security, and late arrival. Carrier delays are within the control of the air carrier and can include aircraft cleaning, damage, connecting passengers or crew, baggage, bird strike, cargo loading, catering, computer issues, and more. Weather delays are caused by extreme or hazardous weather conditions, including snow, that may impact the departure, en route, or arrival of a flight. NAS delays are within the control of the National Airspace System and can include non-extreme weather, airport operations, heavy traffic volume, and air traffic control. Security delays are caused by issues such as the evacuation of a terminal, re-boarding due to a security breach, inoperative screening equipment, or long lines at screening areas. Finally, late arrival delays occur when the same aircraft arrives late at a previous airport, causing a ripple effect of delays at downstream airports.

The FAA has faced scrutiny for its role in flight delays, particularly during last summer's travel chaos when 55,000 flights were cancelled.

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