Travelers flying through the U.S. Gulf Coast may face delays this week as Tropical Storm Bertha moves across the region, bringing heavy rainfall, strong winds and the potential for disruptions at several airports.
The storm strengthened Tuesday with sustained winds reaching approximately 50 mph and is expected to continue tracking along the coastline in the coming days.
Wind, Not Rain, Creates Challenge for Airlines
While heavy rain can create operational challenges, wind is often the biggest factor affecting airline schedules. When sustained winds or gusts reach certain thresholds—typically around 40 knots (46 mph) or higher—airport ramp operations may be temporarily paused for safety reasons. This can impact essential ground services, including baggage handling, aircraft refueling and gate operations.
That can quickly lead to ground stops, delayed departures and a ripple effect across the region. Forecasts call for wind gusts between 40 and 60 mph from the Florida Panhandle to parts of Louisiana, making disruptions increasingly likely over the next several days.
The first round of impacts was expected Tuesday in the Florida Panhandle, where airports in Pensacola and Panama City could see delays as the strongest winds move ashore.
By Wednesday, the storm shifts toward Alabama and Mississippi, putting airports in Mobile and Gulfport-Biloxi at greater risk for interruptions. Louisiana is expected to take the brunt of the storm on Thursday, with New Orleans and Lafayette likely to see the most significant aviation impacts as Bertha tracks along the coast.
Storm Impacts Could Continue After Bertha Moves Through
Even after the storm begins to weaken, travelers shouldn’t assume flights will return to normal right away. Scattered thunderstorms are expected to linger over southeast Texas on Friday and Saturday, which could still trigger temporary ground stops at Houston-area airports and Beaumont. Delays can also spread well beyond the storm itself as aircraft and flight crews work to get back on schedule.
Anyone flying this week should keep a close eye on their flight status before heading to the airport. Tropical systems can change quickly, and airlines may issue delays or cancellations with little advance notice. Checking the FAA’s National Airspace System Status Map and your airline’s app before leaving home can help avoid unnecessary time spent at the airport.
The threat from Bertha comes just one day after severe thunderstorms snarled air travel in Arizona. A United Airlines flight from Houston to Phoenix was forced to divert to Luke Air Force Base after intense monsoon storms engulfed the Phoenix metro area, producing wind gusts as high as 68 mph and prompting temporary ground stops at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport. The aircraft landed safely and passengers were bused to Phoenix.
