MIAMI INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT, FLA. (WSVN) - Hurricane Debby is causing concerns for travelers, leading to significant disruptions at South Florida airports as hundreds of passengers experienced long wait times and cancellations.
At Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport, more than 30 flights were canceled, and over 100 experienced delays on Sunday alone. Many passengers were left stranded, missing connecting flights without prior notification. Miami International Airport faced similar issues, with over 100 flights canceled and 160 delayed on Sunday.
As bad weather continues to disrupt air travel across the Southeast on Monday, travelers shared their troubles with 7News.
“Well, the flight is overbooked, so we don’t even know if they’re going to be able to get on the plane,” said Alex.
Alex and her family are trying to get back to Connecticut after a week in the Keys.
“Our flight was at five in the evening and it got canceled, so we had to scramble, get couple hotel rooms. We’re broke,” said Alex.
They took a Greyhound to Miami, hoping to get back to the Northeast.
“We have tickets right now, but they don’t have tickets. Even though they have tickets, they just don’t have seats,” she said.
Passengers complained of wait times spanning hours just to be re-booked. 7News saw passengers sleeping on the floor inside Miami International Airport as they waited to get on the next flight home.
“We’re ready to get home as we’re just tired,” said a traveler.
“I didn’t realize my flight was canceled and now the next available flight is tomorrow,” said a traveler.
Passengers also reported insufficient compensation. One traveler described having to sleep on the floor overnight due to technical issues, while another recounted running across the airport only to miss their flight after multiple gate changes.
“There’s no assistance. No help. We’re on our own,” said a traveler. “To get here and to be told that ‘We can’t do anything until Wednesday,’ it’s extremely frustrating.”
“This is the only part I’ll remember from my vacation,” said Alex.
Per the Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport website, 19 arrivals have been canceled, with 34 delayed. Departures have seen 44 delays and 26 cancellations.
Miami International Airport reports 45 arrivals and 19 departures canceled so far due to Hurricane Debby.
Travelers should confirm their flight status with their airline and check your airline app before coming to the airport to make other travel arrangements if necessary.
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