Passengers Left in Limbo Across the US as Delta, Alaska, and United Cancel 44 Flights and Delay 54, Disrupting Travel across Seattle, Atlanta, New York, Houston, Newark, Salt Lake and beyond

Published on December 22, 2025

The holiday travel season has kicked off with a major disruption at airports across the US, as thousands of passengers were left stranded due to widespread flight cancellations and delays. Delta, Alaska, and United airlines struggled to keep up with the growing demand, resulting in 44 flight cancellations and 54 delays across major hubs including Seattle, New York, Atlanta, Houston, Newark, Salt Lake City, and beyond.

As passengers looked to reconnect with loved ones or attend important events, their journeys were abruptly halted by severe disruptions. Airlines and airports were overwhelmed, leaving frustrated travelers with little information or assistance. Here’s what happened.

The Scale of Disruption

On Sunday, flight schedules were thrown into chaos, with Delta Airlines leading the pack. The airline canceled 20 flights and delayed 17, leaving passengers scrambling for alternative options. Alaska Airlines, another key player, canceled 18 flights and delayed 17 others, while United Airlines reported 8 cancellations and 20 delays. These figures are a reflection of the growing strain on the airline industry during this peak season.

Passengers were impacted across major airports, with Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (KSEA) and Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) seeing some of the worst delays. Travelers stuck at these airports faced overcrowded terminals, long waits, and minimal support from airline staff.

Key Airports Affected

The disruption wasn’t confined to just one or two locations. Here’s a breakdown of where the chaos unfolded:

• Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (KSEA): A hotspot for cancellations, with many Alaska Airlines and Delta flights being impacted. Passengers faced delays of up to 8 hours in some cases.
• Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL): As one of the busiest airports in the US, Atlanta saw multiple cancellations, especially from Delta flights, disrupting connections to other major hubs.
• Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR): United Airlines’ main hub was severely impacted, with numerous delays stretching throughout the day, including key international flights.
• Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC): Known for being a crucial Delta hub, SLC faced operational delays that affected travelers connecting to major West Coast and East Coast destinations.
• Houston Bush Intercontinental (IAH) and New York’s LaGuardia Airport (LGA): Both airports saw significant delays, primarily from United and Delta airlines.

Why Were Flights Canceled?

Weather issues, staffing shortages, and aircraft availability were cited as some of the primary reasons behind the disruptions. While the weather was a contributing factor, many experts pointed to a combination of operational challenges that caused the most widespread cancellations and delays.

Delta Airlines, for instance, faced problems with staffing and aircraft availability, making it difficult to keep up with the holiday rush. Alaska Airlines, too, was impacted by crew scheduling issues and had to cancel several key routes to manage staffing constraints. Meanwhile, United Airlines faced a surge in demand, leading to overbooked flights and logistical delays.

The Impact on Travelers

For travelers, the impact was devastating. Here’s what passengers experienced:

• Long delays: Many passengers were stuck at airports for hours, with limited updates on the status of their flights.
• Struggling to find new flights: With limited availability, many travelers were left scrambling to find alternatives, only to face further disruptions due to overbooked flights.
• Holiday stress: For families and business travelers alike, the disruptions added stress and uncertainty to their already hectic holiday plans. Some passengers were forced to miss connecting flights, making it difficult to reach their final destinations.
• Lack of communication: One of the most frustrating aspects for passengers was the lack of timely communication from airlines. Passengers waiting for updates on their flight status found themselves in the dark for hours at a time.

A Day of Frustration

As Sunday wore on, the situation only worsened. Travelers were left wondering if they would ever get their chance to fly home. At Seattle-Tacoma International, passengers were in a state of confusion, with multiple flights grounded without any information on when they would be able to board.

Delta Airlines, in particular, was at the center of the chaos. Despite their efforts to rebook passengers and offer meal vouchers, the sheer number of delays and cancellations made it difficult to get everyone back on track. Travelers were advised to check for available rebooking options online, but many were left feeling like they were stuck in an endless loop of waiting and hoping for any sort of relief.

Tips for Travelers

With the holiday season still in full swing, it’s clear that more disruptions could occur. Here are some tips to help travelers manage their journeys during peak travel periods:

• Book early morning flights: These flights are generally less likely to face delays or cancellations.
• Stay updated: Sign up for flight alerts through your airline’s mobile app. This way, you’ll get real-time updates on your flight status.
• Be flexible: If your flight is delayed or canceled, be open to taking an alternative flight, even if it’s not your preferred route.
• Check baggage policy: If you’re rebooking, make sure to verify the baggage policy with your new flight to avoid extra charges.
• Keep essential items in your carry-on: In case of delays, keep snacks, medication, and other important items in your carry-on bag to avoid inconvenience.

Conclusion

The chaotic scenes at US airports serve as a harsh reminder of the complexities of air travel during the holiday season. With Delta, Alaska, and United airlines struggling to keep up, thousands of passengers were left stranded, unable to reach their destinations on time. While the airlines have apologized and are working to make things right, the experience has been a painful one for many travelers.

As we continue through the holiday rush, travelers are urged to remain vigilant, prepared, and flexible. In a world where disruptions are becoming more frequent, the ability to adapt and stay informed is the key to navigating the challenges of modern air travel.

Source: Different airports and FlightAware