memorial day US: Memorial Day 2025: Massive air disruptions across US due to severe weather conditions, hundreds of flights grounded

People across the United States will honour fallen service members this Memorial Day. Since 1971, it has been observed on the last Monday of May. It also serves as a federal holiday. In what had long been celebrated every May 30 to honor America’s fallen soldiers, Memorial Day officially became a federal holiday in 1971, observed on the last Monday in May. Businesses increasingly have chosen to stay open, leading to what is now one of the biggest retail sales and travel weekends of the year.

Memorial Day: Hundreds of flights grounded

The long weekend also marks the unofficial start of summer. Over the years, it has become one of the busiest travel and retail weekends of the year. Over the Memorial Day weekend, severe weather conditions led to significant disruptions in air travel across the United States. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) grounded hundreds of flights nationwide, with major airports in Orlando and Denver among the hardest hit.

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In Orlando, travelers faced delays and cancellations as storms moved through the region. Similarly, Denver International Airport experienced substantial disruptions due to adverse weather conditions.

Despite these challenges, travel demand remained high. Denver International Airport anticipated over 443,000 travelers during the long weekend, matching last year’s record numbers. Nationwide, more than 45 million Americans were expected to travel at least 50 miles between Thursday and Monday, marking the busiest Memorial Day in two decades, according to AAA.

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Travelers were advised to prepare for crowded conditions, potential delays, and packed parking areas throughout the holiday weekend. AAA recommended that drivers refuel away from highways to take advantage of cheaper gas prices. For those planning future trips, considering travel insurance options can provide added protection against unforeseen disruptions.

What’s open and what’s closed on Memorial Day?

Memorial Day, observed on the last Monday of May since becoming a federal holiday in 1971, honors fallen U.S. military personnel. Over time, it has also evolved into a significant weekend for retail sales and travel.

Here’s what closed:

Government Services: Federal, state, and local government offices, including post offices, courts, and schools, will be closed.

Financial Institutions: US stock markets and banks will not operate on Memorial Day.

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Delivery Services: Most FedEx and UPS pickup and delivery services will be unavailable, though some specialized services may still be accessible.

Retailers: Costco warehouses will be closed for the day.

What’s Open:

Retail Stores: The majority of retailers will remain open, many offering substantial promotional sales. Operating hours may vary by location.

Travel Outlook:

High Travel Volume: Memorial Day weekend marks the unofficial start of the summer travel season. AAA projects that over 45 million Americans will travel at least 50 miles from home between Thursday and Monday, setting a new record.

By Car: Approximately 39.4 million people are expected to travel by car, the highest number since AAA began tracking in 2000.

By Air: An estimated 3.61 million travelers will fly, nearly a 2% increase over the previous year.

Fuel Prices: Motorists can expect lower gasoline prices this year, with the national average at $3.18 per gallon, down from $3.60 a year ago.

Air Travel Concerns: Recent incidents, including a midair collision in January that resulted in 67 fatalities, have raised safety concerns. Additionally, flight delays and cancellations have been exacerbated by air traffic controller shortages and equipment failures at facilities like the one directing traffic in and out of Newark, New Jersey.

(With agency inputs)

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