Severe Winter Storms Disrupt US, Canada & Mexico Travel: 50 Flights Called Off and 64 Delayed by United Airlines, WestJet & Volaris—What Travelers Need to Know About Flight Changes and Affected Routes

Published on December 20, 2025

Winter storms are wreaking havoc across North America, grounding flights and leaving hundreds of passengers stranded. United Airlines, WestJet, and Volaris have all been affected, canceling a total of 50 flights this week. This unprecedented disruption has led to chaos at major airports, including Denver, Los Angeles, Calgary, and Mexico City, with travelers facing delays, lost connections, and frustration. While the weather-related cancellations are largely to blame, the broader impact has extended to local tourism, with visitors left stranded and local economies taking a hit. As storm systems continue to affect these regions, the situation remains fluid, and the recovery process is expected to take days.

Detailed Flight Cancellations by Airline:

United Airlines: 20 Canceled Flights

United Airlines has been one of the hardest-hit carriers this week, with 20 flights canceled due to severe winter weather. The most affected airports include Denver International (KDEN), LaGuardia (KLGA), and Washington Dulles (KIAD), all of which faced delays caused by snow, ice, and high winds. Passengers traveling to and from major hubs like Los Angeles (KLAX), Newark (KEWR), and San Francisco (KSFO) were particularly affected. United has already issued advisories regarding potential delays through the weekend.

WestJet: 20 Canceled Flights

WestJet has faced similar disruptions, with 20 flights canceled across various Canadian and U.S. routes. Airports in Calgary (CYYC) and Vancouver (CYVR) experienced significant delays, as snowstorms and freezing conditions wreaked havoc on the airline’s flight schedule. Passengers were left scrambling for rebookings as high winds and blizzards grounded flights to destinations like Toronto Pearson (CYYZ), Phoenix Sky Harbor (KPHX), and Cancun (CUN).

Volaris: 10 Canceled Flights

Volaris, serving both U.S. and Mexican routes, had 10 flights canceled primarily due to inclement weather affecting its Tijuana (TIJ) hub. Other airports like Mexico City (MMMX), Guadalajara (GDL), and Monterrey (MTY) were also impacted. Passengers on flights from Los Angeles (LAX) and San Diego (SAN) to Mexico faced delays as airlines scrambled to manage their schedules amidst the storm.

The Key Affected Airports:

United Airlines:

1. Denver International (KDEN)
   A major hub for United, Denver faced widespread cancellations due to heavy snow, icy conditions, and high winds.
2. LaGuardia (KLGA)
   The New York airport saw dozens of cancellations as a winter storm dumped snow across the region, affecting eastbound and westbound flights.
3. Washington Dulles (KIAD)
   Snow and freezing rain caused significant delays and cancellations for both domestic and international flights.
4. Los Angeles International (KLAX)
   Although not as heavily impacted by the snow, Los Angeles saw cascading delays as flights from the east coast and Midwest were delayed.
5. Newark Liberty (KEWR)
   Icy conditions led to delays, with travelers from Europe and the U.S. particularly affected by the weather-related disruptions.

WestJet:

1. Calgary International (CYYC)
   Calgary, known for its proximity to the Rockies, experienced major snowfalls that grounded flights to U.S. and international destinations.
2. Vancouver International (CYVR)
   Vancouver, also hit by snowstorms, had delays affecting flights between Canada and the U.S., especially those traveling to Los Angeles and Phoenix.
3. Edmonton International (CYEG)
   This regional hub struggled to keep up with delays as snow and freezing rain hampered its ability to clear runways quickly.
4. Toronto Pearson (CYYZ)
   Affected by snowstorms, Pearson saw outbound international and domestic flights disrupted for multiple days.

Volaris:

1. Tijuana International (TIJ)
   Tijuana experienced significant weather-related cancellations as Mexico’s border region was hit by strong winds and storms.
2. Mexico City International (MMMX)
   Heavy rainfall and low visibility caused delays and reroutes, affecting both domestic and international services.
3. Guadalajara International (GDL)
   The airport saw delays as a result of storms affecting the Pacific coast region, including flights to and from Los Angeles and Phoenix.
4. Monterrey (MTY)
   Snowstorms to the north and storms in Mexico led to a surge in cancellations and disruptions in this major airport.

Impact on Passengers: A Disastrous Chain Reaction

The massive number of canceled flights has left passengers stranded, frustrated, and in some cases, without adequate assistance. Airport terminals across the United States, Canada, and Mexico were overwhelmed with travelers trying to rebook flights or find accommodations. Those who had long‑haul international flights, particularly to Europe or Asia, found themselves stuck for days as they waited for new flight schedules. While United and WestJet worked hard to offer rebooking options, Volaris travelers faced longer waiting times due to fewer available flights.

As many of these flights were canceled without immediate replacements, some passengers were forced to wait overnight, and others were unable to connect to key international hubs, delaying their travel for days. The lack of timely communication from airlines also contributed to the growing discontent, with many passengers unable to obtain assistance.

Impact on Tourism: A Ripple Effect Felt by Local Economies

Tourism in the affected regions has taken a significant hit, especially during peak holiday travel. Cities like Cancun and Toronto, known for their bustling tourism industries, have seen tourists either delayed or forced to change their vacation plans. Hotels were left scrambling to accommodate stranded passengers, while local attractions suffered from reduced visitation as travelers were unable to arrive on time.

In Mexico, particularly, beach destinations like Los Cabos and Puerto Vallarta, heavily reliant on foreign tourists, are facing losses due to the delays. Travelers were unable to enjoy scheduled excursions, tours, or activities, resulting in a substantial loss of revenue for local operators. Likewise, Canada’s tourism sector took a hit, with flight cancellations preventing winter sports enthusiasts from arriving at resorts in Calgary and Vancouver, key destinations for international visitors.

What Needs to Be Done: Improving the System for Recovery

While airlines are taking steps to improve communication and rebooking processes, a more coordinated effort is needed to prepare for future disruptions. Governments, airports, and airlines must invest in infrastructure that can handle large surges of cancellations and delays, including better passenger accommodations, clear communication lines, and more efficient rebooking systems.

Moreover, weather forecasting and adaptive scheduling tools need to be integrated into the airline industry to better predict and prepare for severe weather events. This will help minimize the effects on passengers and ensure smoother recovery after major disruptions.

The Road to Recovery: How Tourism and Travel Will Bounce Back

While winter weather continues to challenge the airline industry, the future remains bright. With the right investments in technology, infrastructure, and customer service, the airline industry can overcome these challenges and rebuild trust with passengers. For travelers, planning ahead with flexibility and preparation will be key to navigating the uncertainties of air travel. On the brighter side, many airlines have already started recovering, and the winter storm disruptions will eventually subside, bringing back normalcy to air travel networks.