MEMPHIS, TENN. (January 21, 2026) – With winter precipitation in the forecast this week, Memphis International Airport (MEM) is providing passengers with information about how winter weather affects air travel and how the airport works to keep the airport open:
Snow Operations:
- When winter weather is forecast, MEM schedules its crews based on the amount, duration and type of the expected precipitation. Snow and ice require different types of treatment.
- The goal is to prevent the buildup of ice and snow on runways and taxiways so that aircraft can continue to operate safely. Crews also work around the clock to clear ramps, service roads, terminal roadways, fuel farm loading areas and more.
- MEM has approximately 50 vehicles dedicated to snow/ice removal, including snow brooms, plow trucks, snow blowers, liquid and granular de-icing trucks, and tractors.
- Approximately 145 employees from airfield and building maintenance are available for snow operations, although the vast majority of the Airport Authority’s 350 employees are involved in winter weather operations in some capacity.
- Airfield crews will work around the clock to clear runways.
- MEM’s centralized deicing facility will be active for airlines to perform aircraft deicing operations as needed.
Airlines:
- Airlines manage all aspects of scheduling and will have the most up-to-date information. Early morning flights in particular could be affected.
- Even if MEM is open with flights arriving and departing, weather across the U.S. could disrupt airline schedules this week and weekend.
- Airlines are responsible for all aspects of ticketing, baggage, gate operations, and ramp operations.
- While MEM is responsible for clearing runways and taxiways, airlines handle all aspects of deicing aircraft including staffing, application and equipment maintenance.
Passenger Information:
- Passengers should allow extra time to get to the airport due to road conditions.
- MEM recommends that travelers arrive at the airport a minimum of two hours before their scheduled departure time. This is especially important for travelers with early morning flights between 4-7 a.m.
- Prior to coming to the airport, passengers can also save time by checking in online. via their airline’s website and/or downloading their airline app for real-time updates.
- Passengers should check directly with their airlines to monitor schedules.
Scheduling updates can also be found at https://flymemphis.com/flight-status.