ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) — Travelers at the Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport described hours-long tarmac waits, missed connections and overnight strandings after storms triggered mass cancellations and delays.

John Sidor, traveling from Norfolk, Virginia, to Atlanta, said his flight was delayed due to storms but landed at Hartsfield-Jackson by midnight. He said he was then held on the tarmac for about four hours before he could deplane.

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Seven hours after landing — and seven hours after his wife arrived at the airport to pick him up — the two were able to leave.

“We were talking, and I joked, ‘Oh, maybe by 7 you’ll be out, and we’ll go right to breakfast,’” wife Oxana Sidor said. “But it happened to be a reality, so, by 7, we are getting out of the airport.”

Delta cites gating constraints, severe weather

The Atlanta-based Delta Air Lines received the bulk of traveler frustration. The airline released a statement to Atlanta News First addressing the tarmac delays.

“We apologize to our customers, as we know that a delay on the tarmac waiting for an arrival gate is frustrating. Delta people worked through severe weather challenges in ATL that drove gating constraints overnight,” the company said. “The safety of our customers and crew is our highest priority.”

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With more storms expected on Saturday night, Delta said its teams are working to reset operations.

Passengers still stranded, bags rerouted

The Sidors aren’t alone. Other travelers described similar situations, including a missed connection to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.

“We sat at a gate for like five hours, hearing that a pilot was coming. And then all of a sudden our flight gets cancelled, and there’s no way for us to get back to Myrtle Beach,” traveler Ria Rossman said.

Rossman said their checked bag was still routed to Myrtle Beach despite the cancellation.

This is a developing story. Check back as we learn more.

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