Flights Cancelled Over United States As Chicago, Dallas, and More Delay 4,658 And Cancel 198, Disrupting Air Travel Throughout The Country

Written By: Ryan Rashid

Ryan Rashid

Ryan Rashid writes news that people actually find and finish reading. Ryan has a knack for turning jargon-heavy updates into engaging journalism anyone can follow in under a minute. An English graduate from Calcutta University, he pairs sharp writing instincts with a solid grip on what makes a story travel online. He keeps a close eye on what's trending and what's about to, so stories land while they still matter. Underneath the fast pace, there's always solid research and clean editing holding it together.

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September 1, 2026 4:47 AM |

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Travelers heading through Chicago, San Francisco, Orlando, Dallas, Atlanta, and several other cities in the United States are dealing with heavy disruptions today. There are currently 4,658 delays and 198 cancellations on flights within, into or out of the United States.
The biggest numbers are at Chicago O’Hare International Airport, where 1,282 flights have been delayed and 127 cancelled. San Francisco International Airport has 326 delays, while Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport has 284.

For anyone flying today, the reason behind a delay matters just as much as the number itself.

Chicago O’Hare Flights Are Running About 90 Minutes Late

Chicago O’Hare International Airport is having the toughest day among US airports, with 1,282 delays and 127 cancellations.

The FAA says departures at ORD are averaging 90 minutes late, and the delay is increasing. Thunderstorms are being cited as the reason.

That makes Chicago the airport where travelers have the biggest time adjustment to consider before heading out.

• 1,282 delays
• 127 cancellations
• FAA average departure delay: 90 minutes
• Delay is increasing
• Reason: thunderstorms

San Francisco Is Dealing With Low Ceilings

San Francisco International Airport has 326 delays and five cancellations.

The FAA is reporting a ground delay averaging 66 minutes because of low ceilings.

For passengers at SFO, an otherwise routine trip could take longer once the ground delay is factored in.

Phoenix, Dallas and Denver Are Also Seeing Delays

Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport has 284 delays and nine cancellations today.

Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport follows with 259 delays and six cancellations, while Denver International Airport has 251 delays and five cancellations.

Those figures put all three airports among the busier points for travelers moving through the United States today.

Orlando Has a 30-Minute FAA Departure Delay

Orlando International Airport has 174 delays and three cancellations.

The FAA is reporting an average departure delay of 30 minutes, with the delay increasing. Traffic-management initiatives and weather are cited as the reasons.

Boston, Atlanta and San Diego Are Also Feeling the Pressure

Boston Logan International Airport has 191 delays and 19 cancellations.

At Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport, there are 188 delays and eight cancellations. San Diego International Airport has 177 delays and nine cancellations.

San Diego also has an FAA ground delay averaging 27 minutes because of airport volume.

LaGuardia, Houston and Washington Dulles

LaGuardia has 148 delays and 13 cancellations today.

The figures are lower at Houston Bush Intercontinental Airport, with 86 delays and five cancellations, and Washington Dulles International Airport, with 84 delays and five cancellations.

For travelers moving across the United States, these airports show how different the experience can be from one city to another.

Southwest and American Are Among the Most Delayed Airlines

The airline figures show Southwest with 694 delays, the highest number among US airlines.

American Airlines has 612 delays, followed by United with 605 and SkyWest with 536.

• Southwest: 694 delays, 8 cancellations
• American Airlines: 612 delays, 6 cancellations
• United: 605 delays, 18 cancellations
• SkyWest: 536 delays, 41 cancellations
• Envoy Air: 240 delays, 27 cancellations
• Republic: 138 delays, 16 cancellations

SkyWest has the highest number of cancellations, with 41.

What Travelers Should Check Before Leaving for the Airport

The conditions are not the same across the United States. Chicago O’Hare International Airport has a 90-minute average departure delay, San Francisco International Airport has a 66-minute ground delay, and Orlando International Airport has a 30-minute departure delay.

Travelers should check their flight shortly before leaving for the airport, especially when their journey starts at one of the airports with an active FAA restriction.

At Chicago O’Hare International Airport, the FAA cites thunderstorms. At San Francisco International Airport, the reason is low ceilings. At San Diego International Airport, the current ground delay is linked to airport volume.

With 4,658 delays and 198 cancellations across the United States today, a few extra minutes spent checking the latest flight information could make the difference between a smooth airport arrival and a much longer wait.

The data has been extensively curated by our editorial team using real-time aviation figures recorded on 31 August 2026 at 6:18 pm ET USA

Primary Source: FlightAware.

Verification Protocol: All statistics have been independently reviewed and cross-checked by our human editorial desk. Timestamped records, data logs and feed snapshots are securely archived internally to support historical accuracy and editorial transparency.

Note: Real-time flight-tracking figures reflect active airspace and operational data. Minor variations may occur when compared with information displayed at individual airport terminals or airline departure gates.

Travellers are advised to check directly with their respective airlines and airports for the latest flight status, schedule changes and operational updates.