Msp Airport Delays: What You Need To Know

Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP) has experienced delays and ground stops due to winter storms, snow, and ice. In December 2024, a ground stop was issued until 10:15 a.m., causing departure delays of 30 to 62 minutes on average. During this time, one departure was canceled, and 39 departures were delayed, while four arrivals were canceled, and 36 were delayed. Another winter storm in the same month led to two ground stops, with the first issued by the FAA between 6 a.m. and 7:30 a.m. due to adverse weather conditions, and the second in the late morning hours.

Delays due to winter storms

Winter storms can cause significant disruptions to airport operations, as evidenced by the impact of a winter storm on ground stops and delays at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP). On December 19, 2024, a ground stop was issued at MSP Airport due to snow and ice, causing departure delays of up to 62 minutes on average, according to the FAA's website. The ground stop was lifted, but a departure delay of around 30 minutes remained.

On another occasion, two ground stops were ordered at MSP Airport on a Thursday in December 2024 due to a winter storm. The first ground stop was issued by the FAA between 6 a.m. and 7:30 a.m., followed by a ground delay, and then a second stop in the late morning. This caused delays for hundreds of flights, with only a few cancellations. The intense rate of snowfall was cited as the reason for the stoppages by an MSP spokesperson.

Winter storms can create hazardous conditions for both aircraft and ground operations. Snow and ice accumulation on runways and taxiways can impede aircraft movement and require time-consuming removal. Additionally, low visibility due to snow and strong winds can further complicate operations, leading to gate hold and taxi delays, as well as airborne delays for arriving flights.

To manage winter storm delays, airports deploy snow-clearing equipment and personnel to keep runways and taxiways operational. They also coordinate closely with air traffic control to manage the flow of aircraft, implementing ground stops and delays when necessary to ensure safety. While these measures aim to minimise disruptions, winter storms can still cause significant delays and cancellations, affecting thousands of passengers.

Passengers travelling during winter storm conditions should anticipate potential delays and cancellations. Checking the airport's website, social media, or flight tracker applications for the latest updates is essential. Additionally, allowing extra time for travel to the airport is crucial, as road conditions can also be affected by the storm, making the journey to the airport longer and more challenging.

Ground stops

For example, if a ground stop is called for a specific airport, aircraft departing for that airport will not be given departure clearance until the ground stop is lifted. This allows the destination airport time to deal with any issues and prepare for arriving aircraft once the ground stop is lifted.

On December 20, 2024, two ground stops were ordered at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport due to a winter storm. The first was issued by the FAA between 6 a.m. and 7:30 a.m. due to snow and ice, followed by a ground delay. The second stop followed in the late morning hours.

Delayed and cancelled flights

On December 19, 2024, a ground stop was issued at MSP Airport due to snow and ice, causing significant delays. According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), departures were delayed by an average of 62 minutes during the ground delay. By 10:19 a.m., one departure had been cancelled, and 39 departures had been delayed, while four arrivals had been cancelled and 36 had been delayed. The ground stop was eventually lifted, but not before causing a significant impact on travellers' plans.

Just a day later, on December 20, 2024, another winter storm caused disruptions at MSP Airport. Two ground stops were ordered by the FAA, the first between 6 a.m. and 7:30 a.m., followed by a ground delay, and the second in the late morning. Hundreds of flights were delayed, and while cancellations were minimal, the impact was still felt by travellers. The intense snowfall rate made it challenging for crews to keep the airport operational, and many travellers struggled to even reach the airport due to unplowed roads.

While these events caused significant delays and some cancellations, it's important to note that airports and airlines make every effort to minimise such disruptions. Ground stops and delays are implemented with safety as the top priority, and crews work tirelessly to clear snow and ice to resume operations as quickly as possible.

Taxi delays

Taxi services at MSP Airport are available at both terminals. At Terminal 1, the taxi stand is on the Tram Level (Level T). Signs direct passengers one level up to the taxi starter booth, where airport staff assist in obtaining a taxi. Terminal 2's taxi service is at the Ground Transport Center, on the ground level of the Purple Ramp, directly across from the terminal building.

Taxi fares from MSP Airport to downtown Minneapolis average $39 to $49, while fares to downtown St. Paul average $31 to $38. A $6.50 fare will be displayed on the Taxicab meter at the start of the trip, including a $2.50 drop fee and a $4.00 airport access fee. A zone fare of $23.50 applies to rides between any locations on MSP Airport property and rides to the Mall of America.

Winter storms can cause significant disruptions at MSP Airport, with ground stops and delays due to snow and ice. In December 2024, a winter storm caused ground stops and delays, impacting holiday travel. Hundreds of flights were delayed, and while cancellations were minimal, travellers experienced challenges reaching the airport due to unplowed roads.

Airborne delays

Minneapolis-St Paul International Airport (MSP) is a busy airport serving the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul, Minnesota. Like any major airport, it occasionally experiences delays and disruptions, which can be caused by a variety of factors, including weather conditions, equipment issues, or air traffic congestion.

On December 28, 2024, MSP Airport experienced general arrival delays due to airborne delays of approximately 15 minutes or less. This was likely caused by air traffic congestion or other factors affecting the efficient flow of incoming aircraft. While 15-minute delays may not seem significant, they can have a ripple effect on an airport's operations, causing knock-on delays for subsequent flights and impacting travellers' schedules.

In addition to airborne delays, MSP Airport has also been affected by ground stops and ground delays due to winter weather conditions. On December 19, 2024, a ground stop was issued until 7:30 a.m. due to snow and ice, followed by a ground delay until 9:59 a.m. During this period, departures were delayed by an average of 62 minutes, and several cancellations were also reported. A second ground stop was ordered in the late morning, further disrupting travel plans for holiday travellers.

Winter storms can significantly impact airport operations, and snow and ice present unique challenges for aircraft take-off and landing. In the face of such challenges, the safety of passengers and crew is always the top priority. Airport crews work diligently to clear snow and treat icy surfaces, and de-icing fluids are used to ensure planes are safe for departure.

To mitigate the impact of airborne delays, airports employ various strategies, including adjusting flight schedules, utilising ground holding patterns, and coordinating with air traffic control to optimise arrival and departure sequencing. While these measures aim to minimise disruptions, passengers are often advised to anticipate delays and allow for extra time when travelling through busy airports like MSP, especially during peak holiday seasons and adverse weather conditions.

Frequently asked questions