PTI Urges Travelers to Confirm Flights Ahead of Weekend Winter Storm

Piedmont Triad International Airport officials urged passengers to confirm flights with their carriers after a weekend winter storm threatened operations that serve Guilford County. The airport said it would remain open, but warned that airlines might cancel flights because of system-wide impacts, and asked travelers to call before leaving home to ensure their flights were operating.

“The airport will remain open throughout this severe weather event,” said Kevin Baker, the Authority’s executive director. “However, airlines may cancel flights because of the storm’s system-wide impacts.” PTI also said its snow crews would work around the clock throughout the weekend to keep runways and access areas operational.

The advisory spelled out practical changes that could affect local passengers and those dropping off or picking up family and visitors. If conditions deteriorated, vehicles might not be able to access the upper-level curbside areas used for departures and ticketing. In that case, the airport planned to route all vehicles to the terminal’s lower-level arrivals area. Passengers were also warned that the top level of the parking deck could close; anyone parking at the airport was advised to enter the deck from the lower level.

For Guilford County residents, the guidance concentrated on avoiding unnecessary trips to the airport and on confirming flight status before driving. Travelers who rely on scheduled departures from PTI, including business commuters and families traveling for events, faced the possibility of same-day cancellations that could cascade through connecting itineraries. The Authority’s emphasis on round-the-clock snow operations signals a focus on keeping the airport operational, but the final decision on whether a flight operates rests with the airlines and their broader network constraints.

PTI issued the advisory on Jan. 20 as the region prepared for the weekend weather system. Local road crews and transit providers may also adjust services in response to snowfall and icy conditions, compounding the potential for delays to and from the airport.

What this means for readers in Guilford County is straightforward: confirm flight status with your airline before you go to the airport, plan for altered curbside procedures and parking access, and allow extra time if travel remains necessary. Expect further notices from PTI and individual carriers as conditions evolve, and monitor airline communications for any cancellations or rebooking options.