Thousands Of Travelers Abandoned Across The United States Today As Chicago, Las Vegas, Atlanta, Detroit, Pittsburgh, St. Louis, Kansas City, And More Delay 5,874 And Cancel 339, Disrupting SkyWest, United, Envoy Air, Delta, American, And Others

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Flight cancellations intensified across the United States today as the country recorded 5,874 delays and 339 cancellations nationwide. Chicago O’Hare International Airport (1,384 delays, 209 cancellations) emerged as the worst-hit airport in the USA, followed by Harry Reid International in Las Vegas (533 delays, 13 cancellations), Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International (332 delays, 27 cancellations), Detroit Metro Wayne County (251 delays, 9 cancellations), St. Louis Lambert International (194 delays, 24 cancellations), Kansas City International (123 delays, 6 cancellations), Indianapolis International (117 delays, 13 cancellations), Pittsburgh International (68 delays, 9 cancellations), and Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (52 delays, 8 cancellations). Cities facing major disruption included Chicago, Las Vegas, Atlanta, Detroit, St. Louis, Kansas City, Indianapolis, Pittsburgh, and Cincinnati.
Among airlines, SkyWest (71 cancellations, 648 delays) reported the highest cancellation count, while Southwest Airlines (21 cancellations, 1,695 delays) recorded the largest number of delays nationwide. Other heavily affected carriers included United Airlines (32 cancellations, 708 delays), American Airlines (9 cancellations, 658 delays), Delta Air Lines (33 cancellations, 518 delays), Envoy Air (50 cancellations, 221 delays), Republic Airways (31 cancellations, 177 delays), and GoJet Airlines (36 cancellations, 108 delays). Additional disruption was also reported by Alaska Airlines, Air Canada, Frontier Airlines, and Southwest Airlines at several key airports.
The reason for flight cancellations and delays at Chicago O’Hare Airport today was an air traffic control ground delay program combined with severe thunderstorms east and south of the airport, forcing aircraft to take longer rerouted flight paths.

• Updated Today: The United States recorded 5,874 flight delays and 339 cancellations nationwide.
• Chicago O’Hare International Airport reported the country’s highest disruption levels with 1,384 delays and 209 cancellations today.
• Southwest Airlines led the nation in delays with 1,695 delayed flights.
• SkyWest Airlines recorded the highest cancellation total at 71 cancelled flights.
• United Airlines faced 708 delays and 32 cancellations across its network.
• American Airlines reported 658 delays and 9 cancellations nationwide.
• Delta Air Lines experienced 518 delays and 33 cancellations.
• Las Vegas’ Harry Reid International Airport recorded more than 500 delays.
• Thunderstorms and air traffic control restrictions significantly impacted operations around Chicago.
• Regional carriers including Envoy Air, Republic Airways, and GoJet were heavily affected.

Worst-Hit Airports Across The United States

Chicago O’Hare International Airport

Chicago O’Hare was the most disrupted airport in the United States today with 1,384 delays and 209 cancellations. The reasons for cancellations at Chicago were weather-related reroutes and an ATC ground delay program, causing severe operational pressure for airlines including United, American Airlines, SkyWest, Envoy Air, Republic, and GoJet.

Harry Reid International Airport

Las Vegas’ Harry Reid International Airport recorded 533 delays and 13 cancellations, making it the second most affected airport in this dataset. Southwest Airlines and other domestic carriers faced substantial operational slowdowns.

Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport

Atlanta’s primary airport saw 332 delays and 27 cancellations as Delta Air Lines and regional operators encountered scheduling disruptions throughout the day.

Detroit Metro Wayne County Airport

Detroit Metro reported 251 delayed flights and 9 cancellations, with Delta Air Lines and regional affiliates among the carriers most impacted.

St. Louis Lambert International Airport

St. Louis Lambert International Airport registered 194 delays and 24 cancellations, contributing to broader Midwest travel disruptions.

Kansas City International Airport

Kansas City International handled 123 delays and 6 cancellations as operational disruptions spread across central U.S. routes.

Indianapolis International Airport

Indianapolis International Airport reported 117 delays and 13 cancellations, affecting both domestic and connecting passengers.

Pittsburgh International Airport

Pittsburgh International Airport experienced 68 delays and 9 cancellations, adding to delays across the eastern U.S. network.

Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport

Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport saw 52 delays and 8 cancellations, particularly affecting regional airline operations.

Airlines Facing The Largest Flight Disruptions

Southwest Airlines

Southwest Airlines recorded the highest number of delays nationwide with 1,695 delayed flights and 21 cancellations. The airline was significantly impacted at airports including Las Vegas, Chicago, and Kansas City.

SkyWest Airlines

SkyWest reported 71 cancellations and 648 delays, the highest cancellation figure among all carriers in today’s dataset. The regional airline was heavily affected at Chicago O’Hare.

United Airlines

United Airlines faced 708 delays and 32 cancellations, with Chicago O’Hare disruptions severely impacting the carrier’s hub operations.

American Airlines

American Airlines recorded 658 delays and 9 cancellations, while subsidiary Envoy Air reported an additional 50 cancellations and 221 delays.

Delta Air Lines

Delta Air Lines reported 518 delays and 33 cancellations, with Atlanta and Detroit among the airports most affected.

Envoy Air

Envoy Air, operating under the American Airlines network, faced 50 cancellations and 221 delays, especially at Chicago O’Hare.

Republic Airways

Republic Airways registered 31 cancellations and 177 delays, reflecting broader regional airline disruptions across the Midwest and East Coast.

GoJet Airlines

GoJet Airlines reported 36 cancellations and 108 delays, with much of the disruption connected to Chicago O’Hare operations.

Alaska Airlines

Alaska Airlines experienced 76 delays and 6 cancellations, contributing to the broader nationwide operational slowdown.

What Should Impacted Passengers Do?

• Monitor airline apps and airport advisories for real-time schedule updates.
• Check whether your flight has been rebooked automatically before heading to the airport.
• Arrive early due to potential long lines at check-in and customer service counters.
• Keep alternative routing options available if connecting through heavily affected airports like Chicago or Atlanta.
• Review airline compensation and rebooking policies carefully.
• Maintain flexibility with travel dates and connecting flights.
• Track weather conditions that may continue affecting airport operations.
• Keep essential items and chargers accessible in case of extended delays.

Learn More

Broader Overview Of US Flight Cancellations

Flight disruptions across the United States today, May 19, were concentrated around major hubs including Chicago O’Hare International Airport, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, Harry Reid International Airport in Las Vegas, and Detroit Metro Wayne County Airport. Severe weather conditions near Chicago and air traffic management restrictions created ripple effects throughout the national aviation system.
Airlines including Southwest Airlines, United Airlines, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, SkyWest Airlines, and Envoy Air faced the highest levels of disruption. Regional carriers such as Republic Airways and GoJet Airlines also reported substantial cancellation and delay totals.
Author’s Note: data is based on FlightAware updates and may change in real time. Passengers should monitor airline alerts, review rebooking options, and stay flexible with travel plans.
Cities including Chicago, Las Vegas, Atlanta, Detroit, St. Louis, and Kansas City experienced notable operational slowdowns as delays spread through connecting flight networks. Chicago remained the central disruption point in the United States aviation network today, with weather-related rerouting and ATC restrictions continuing to affect flights across multiple airlines and airports.

Source: Different airports and FlightAware