Holiday Travel Chaos Sweeps through US as Delta, American, United, Southwest and More Airlines Face 1,572 Flight Cancellations and 6,781 Delays in New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, Atlanta, and Dallas

Published on December 27, 2025

Holiday Travel Chaos has struck across the United States as Delta, American Airlines, United, Southwest, and several other major carriers are grappling with 1,572 flight cancellations and 6,781 delays. Airports in key cities such as New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, Atlanta, and Dallas have been severely affected, leaving thousands of travelers stranded or facing lengthy delays. The disruptions are primarily due to adverse weather conditions, including strong winds, as well as high airport volumes caused by the busy holiday season. Passengers have been experiencing extended wait times, particularly at major hubs like Atlanta and New York, where flight operations have been significantly impacted. With the surge in demand for air travel during the holidays, the strain on air traffic and airport operations has intensified, leading to widespread frustration. Travelers are advised to stay informed and prepared for further disruptions as the chaos continues.

Total Delays and Cancellations Across the U.S.

• Total Delays: 6,641
• Total Cancellations: 1,558

These disruptions are caused by a variety of factors, including adverse weather conditions such as wind, increased traffic volumes at major airports, and compacted flight schedules.

Airports Affected by Delays and Cancellations

Several major U.S. airports are facing significant delays, with San Francisco International (SFO), Southern Utah Airport (SUA), Van Nuys Airport (VNY), Naples Municipal Airport (APF), and Orlando International (MCO) being among the worst affected.

San Francisco International (SFO)

San Francisco’s airport has been plagued by ground delays due to wind, with an average delay of 104 minutes for flights. The advisory also warns of increasing departure delays, with the average reaching 15 minutes and climbing. As a major gateway on the West Coast, disruptions at SFO impact not only domestic flights but also international routes, particularly to and from Asia and Europe.

Southern Utah Airport (SUA)

SUA has been experiencing significant ground delays, with an average delay time of 228 minutes, largely due to high airport volumes. This issue affects primarily regional flights, causing backlogs at a smaller airport that typically operates with lower traffic.

Van Nuys Airport (VNY)

At Van Nuys, departure delays are averaging 60 minutes, mainly due to compacted demand at the airport. While not a primary hub for international flights, it serves as a critical point for regional connections, causing cascading delays for passengers traveling throughout California.

Naples Municipal Airport (APF)

Naples has also faced delays due to airport volume, with delays averaging 108 minutes. The seasonal uptick in visitors to Florida, particularly from colder regions, has led to overcrowding at this airport.

Orlando International (MCO)

Orlando, one of the busiest airports in Florida, has also been affected by volume-related delays, with an average departure delay of 45 minutes, which is expected to increase as the day progresses. Given the airport’s role as a hub for domestic tourism and international travel to Europe and Latin America, these delays are particularly disruptive to family vacations, business trips, and cruise ship passengers.

Airlines Affected by Cancellations and Delays

The airlines most impacted by the ongoing disruptions include Southwest Airlines, JetBlue, Delta Air Lines, and American Airlines. These carriers are experiencing the highest number of cancellations and delays, impacting both domestic and international travelers.

• Southwest Airlines has seen 150 cancellations and over 1,100 delays, primarily due to volume-related issues.
• JetBlue is also heavily impacted, with 229 cancellations and 305 delays, causing major headaches for East Coast travelers.
• Delta Air Lines and American Airlines are facing 230 and 97 cancellations, respectively, along with hundreds of delays due to adverse weather conditions and congestion at major hubs like Atlanta, Los Angeles, and Dallas-Fort Worth.

What Affected Passengers Can Do

For passengers who are affected by the ongoing delays and cancellations, there are several steps they can take to mitigate the impact of these disruptions:

1. Check Flight Status Regularly
   Airlines and airports are updating their flight statuses frequently. Passengers should regularly check the airline’s website or app, as well as the airport’s status page, for the most up-to-date information on delays and cancellations.
2. Rebook Flights if Canceled
   Travelers should consider rebooking flights as soon as possible to avoid long wait times. Many airlines offer the ability to rebook online, allowing passengers to select alternative flights.
3. Seek Compensation or Vouchers
   Airlines are often required to provide compensation for delayed or canceled flights, including meal vouchers, hotel accommodations, or even monetary compensation for long delays. Passengers should ask customer service representatives about available options.
4. Prepare for Longer Waits
   Due to the high volume of delays and cancellations, passengers should be prepared for extended waiting periods. It is advisable to bring snacks, entertainment, and essentials, as long waits at airports are expected to continue.
5. Consider Alternate Routes
   In some cases, it may be more efficient to book an alternative route through a different airport or even a different city, especially if the primary airport is experiencing significant delays. Airline representatives can help find alternate routes.

Conclusion

With 6,641 delays and 1,558 cancellations across the United States, travelers are facing a challenging day of disruptions. Airlines and airports are working to mitigate the impact of weather conditions and high traffic volumes. Passengers should stay updated, be proactive in rebooking, and prepare for delays. It is essential to remain patient and flexible, especially during the peak holiday and travel season.

Source: FlightAware and Affected Airports