ROANOKE (WSLS 10) -- AAA reports 5.8 million Americans will take to the skies to get home, but it hasn't been an easy task for a lot of those travelers. Management at the Roanoke-Blacksburg Regional Airport told us stormy weather has put a dent in travel plans for many.
Wednesday, a total of 10 flights at the Roanoke-Blacksburg Regional Airport were cancelled – five departures and five arrivals. And, over the course of the day, nearly 30 flights experienced delays ranging from 30 minutes up to two hours.
It's a long day of waiting as cancellations have put some travelers into a holiday frazzle. Many trying to fly out are frustrated that they now have to readjust their travel plans.
"I've been here maybe an hour or so," said Sarah Griffis, who's visiting from New York. "Unfortunately, just when my flight was supposed to board they told us it was cancelled."
Bradley Boettcher, the Director of Marketing Air Service Development at the Roanoke-Blacksburg Regional Airport told us this area is prone for harsh weather. Fog is normal this time of the year, because of the mountainous region that encompasses the runway. Typically low air, like fog, can get trapped in the valley and can stay.
"Because, we're in the mountains we have the elevation," said Boettcher. "But, we're also in the valley so we're surrounded on all four sides by mountain ridges and that helps trap the fog into the area as opposed to letting it go."
It's an inconvenience, but most seem to be understanding of the weather.
"Safety is always number one," said Roanoke Resident Yezid Gracia. "I would rather wait, get there as safely as possible and be a couple days late."
Many passengers lingered at the nearby terminals, checking their phones for flight updates hoping to soon board.
"It sent me a text saying that my flight was first delayed and then, when I got here it was cancelled," said holiday traveler Jacob Crueger.
It's taken hours for Crueger, who's trying to make his way back home to Wisconsin. Crueger said he's flying Delta and because, so many other travelers are grounded Delta's making arrangements for those stuck in this weather.
"They have a bus coming to try to take us all to a different airport and try to get different connections," said Crueger. "So, I'll be getting to my final destination if everything goes well. I'll get there like five hours later than I was originally going to be there.. maybe even six."
It's Mother Nature's gift that many travelers were hoping to avoid. And, after facing long lines at the check in counter, passengers we spoke to said it's frustrating to learn of delays and cancellations right before they're supposed to board.
"I was hoping if they were going to cancel it, it would be sooner rather than later," said Griffis.
Airport management wants to remind travelers they're doing what they can to get you onboard. But, all staff can do is wait for the weather to clear.
Boettcher adds in order for flights to come and go either two things need to happen: wind or rain need to flush the fog out -- giving pilots visibility in the skies.