Southwest Airlines, JetBlue Airways, American, United Face Severe Delays and Cancellation as Snowstorm Bombs US Affecting John F. Kennedy, LaGuardia, Newark Liberty: How Cyclone Makes Your Year End Travel Plans in Vain, After Tourism Economy Destruction, New Update is Here

Published on December 27, 2025

By: Tuhin Sarkar

Southwest Airlines, JetBlue Airways, American Airlines, and United Airlines are all facing severe delays and cancellations due to the devastating snowstorm that has battered the U.S. The snowstorm, coupled with a bomb cyclone, has crippled major airports like John F. Kennedy, LaGuardia, and Newark Liberty, leaving year-end travel plans in tatters. Passengers are struggling with cancelled flights and disrupted schedules, and the tourism economy has taken a massive hit. Southwest Airlines, JetBlue Airways, American, and United are all affected, with their operations severely impacted by the storm. Travel And Tour World urges readers to continue reading to learn how this cyclone has wreaked havoc on travel plans.

How Snowstorms and Bomb Cyclones Paralyse Year-End Travel Plans in the USA

As December 2025 draws to a close, severe winter weather, including snowstorms and bomb cyclones, has wreaked havoc on holiday travel plans across the United States. With millions of Americans traveling for the year-end holidays, these powerful weather systems have caused massive disruptions, from flight cancellations to dangerous road conditions, leaving travelers stranded and airports overwhelmed. As these storms become more frequent and intense, understanding how they affect air travel and how passengers can prepare for such disruptions is crucial. This article delves into how snowstorms and bomb cyclones paralyse year-end travel in the USA, affecting not just flights but also local economies, personal plans, and holiday joy.

Snowstorms Bring Chaos to New York’s Major Airports

One of the most affected regions during a snowstorm is New York City. The snowstorm in December 2025, which began on December 26, resulted in massive disruptions at John F. Kennedy Airport, LaGuardia Airport, and Newark Liberty International Airport. These major international travel hubs were shut down for hours, with hundreds of flights cancelled or delayed. According to FlightAware, New York airports ranked among the top four airports with the most cancellations on December 26, further crippling the holiday travel rush.

The snowstorm’s heavy snowfall and icy conditions led to flight diversions and airport evacuations, adding to the chaos. Even those whose flights were not cancelled faced delays, as snow accumulated on runways, delaying takeoffs and landings. For holiday travelers, this meant long waits, cancelled flights, and an unpredictable journey home.

What Is a Bomb Cyclone and How Does It Affect Travel?

A bomb cyclone is a rapidly intensifying storm, characterized by a sharp drop in atmospheric pressure. These storms, often accompanied by snowfall, high winds, and freezing rain, are particularly dangerous for travelers. The bomb cyclone in December 2025 disrupted air and ground transportation across the northeast US, exacerbating delays and causing widespread cancellations. As pressure systems rapidly dropped, winds accelerated to over 50 mph, making flight landings and takeoffs exceedingly difficult.

In bomb cyclone conditions, even airlines with the most advanced systems struggle to operate safely. These intense storms not only disrupt air traffic but also create dangerous driving conditions, particularly in highly populated areas like New York City, Boston, and Washington D.C.. During these times, the weather becomes so severe that even emergency vehicles and snowplows find it challenging to clear runways and major roads, leaving travelers stuck in long queues for hours.

The Aftermath: Thousands of Cancellations and Delays Nationwide

As one of the busiest travel times of the year, the holiday season coincides with the peak of winter storms in the USA. When a snowstorm or bomb cyclone hits, the cumulative effect on flights and ground travel can be staggering. For instance, on December 26, over 1,800 flights were cancelled, and 22,000+ flights experienced delays. These disruptions affected both domestic and international travel. Airlines like JetBlue, Delta, American, and United found their entire networks affected, as storm conditions made it impossible for some flights to safely depart or land.

The ripple effect of these cancellations and delays reached far beyond the affected cities. Airport congestion meant that incoming flights were delayed, causing more missed connections and forcing travelers to rebook at later times. This also caused a backlog of passengers attempting to rebook flights, leading to frustration and confusion at check-in counters.

Snowstorm Disrupts Major U.S. Airlines

Among the hardest-hit carriers were JetBlue Airways, American Airlines, United Airlines, and Delta Airlines—all of which have significant operations in the New York City area. The snowstorm brought heavy snowfall, icy conditions, and strong winds, resulting in operational disruptions at the region’s key airports. These conditions led to a spike in cancellations and delays across the Northeast, especially affecting flights into and out of New York City.

JetBlue Airways, a major player in the Northeast U.S., was one of the first airlines to cancel flights, especially as the snowstorm intensified. With a large number of flights out of JFK and LaGuardia, JetBlue had to adjust its schedule, providing rebooking options for affected passengers and waiving rebooking fees. The airline’s efforts to keep travelers informed and offer flexibility helped reduce some of the travel frustration, though many travelers still faced significant delays.

American Airlines also faced a challenging situation, particularly at its Philadelphia hub and New York airports. The snowstorm led to the cancellation of hundreds of flights, leaving travelers scrambling for alternative travel arrangements. American offered refunds and rebooking options to those affected, but the backlog of passengers meant long lines and crowded terminals at airports.

United Airlines, with a major base at Newark Liberty International Airport, had one of the most significant disruptions. Newark, being one of the hardest-hit airports, saw numerous cancellations and delays due to heavy snow and strong winds. United passengers, especially those traveling out of the New Jersey hub, faced major headaches as the airline worked to reschedule flights.

Delta Airlines, which operates out of both JFK and LaGuardia, also experienced major operational disruptions. The storm forced Delta to cancel flights and delay others, contributing to the widespread chaos in the region. Passengers on Delta’s flights from New York airports were among the many affected, with travel times stretched far beyond the anticipated.

EVA Air, Cathay Pacific, and Korean Air: International Airlines Face the Wrath of Winter Weather

Not only were domestic airlines affected, but international carriers such as EVA Air, Cathay Pacific, and Korean Air also had to cancel flights due to the snowstorm. EVA Air, based in Taipei, cancelled its two flights from Taipei to New York’s JFK, while Cathay Pacific, which operates flights between Hong Kong and New York, had to cancel its CX840 flight.

For airlines like Cathay Pacific and Korean Air, severe snowstorms created operational challenges not only for departing flights but also for passengers trying to arrive at their destinations safely. With airport closures and runways covered in snow, these international airlines were forced to waive rebooking fees for passengers affected by snowstorm-induced cancellations, offering flexibility for travelers to reschedule their flights without financial penalty. Despite these measures, the overall impact on international travel was substantial, leading to global disruptions and leaving passengers stranded across multiple continents.

Travel Disruptions Aren’t Just About Airplanes: The Ground Travel Dilemma

While air travel grabs most of the headlines during winter storms, ground travel can be just as severely impacted. Snow and ice on highways lead to road closures, traffic jams, and accidents that paralyse local and interstate transportation. Major highways such as I-95 and I-80, which connect several states in the northeast US, were at a standstill due to slippery conditions and wrecked vehicles. Drivers faced treacherous conditions with snow piling up, reducing visibility and causing accidents and traffic delays.

Even if you manage to get to your destination, your hotel room might be inaccessible or overbooked due to sudden arrivals of stranded passengers. In addition, some travelers find themselves unable to reach public transportation, meaning delays extend to local trains, buses, and subways, adding to the chaos of winter storms.

Economic Impact: Flight Cancellations Costing Billions

The effects of snowstorms and bomb cyclones extend far beyond individual inconveniences. Economically, flight cancellations cost airlines billions of dollars each year in lost revenue, passenger compensation, and rebooking costs. These disruptions also affect tourism, especially in key holiday destinations, reducing foot traffic and straining local economies. With families unable to travel or businesses losing visitors, the economic ripple effect is significant, particularly in tourist-centric regions.

For example, New York City experiences major economic losses when weather disruptions cause tourists to cancel their holiday trips. According to estimates, the U.S. travel industry loses hundreds of millions of dollars annually due to winter weather disruptions. These losses include hotel refunds, missed tours, and extra costs incurred by travelers attempting to reschedule their plans at the last minute.

Prepare for Future Disruptions

As snowstorms and bomb cyclones become more frequent and intense, travelers must be prepared for the possibility of delays, cancellations, and extended waiting times. Airlines have adapted their policies to offer rebooking and refund options, but the ongoing challenges of severe weather will continue to disrupt year-end travel plans for years to come.

For travelers, staying informed about flight status and weather conditions, and being flexible with travel plans, will be key to navigating the chaos brought by winter storms.

Passenger Preparedness: What You Can Do During a Snowstorm

Traveling during the winter months requires a great deal of preparation and flexibility. Here’s how to minimise the impact of winter weather on your travel plans:

1. Check Your Flight Status: Regularly monitor your flight through your airline’s app and websites. Airlines often send text alerts about cancellations or delays.
2. Be Flexible with Rebooking: Many airlines, including JetBlue and American Airlines, offer flexible rebooking options during severe weather, so take advantage of this to avoid long waiting times at the airport.
3. Travel Insurance: Ensure your travel insurance covers weather-related disruptions. This can help you recover hotel costs, rebook flights, and compensate for lost luggage.
4. Pack Smart: Bring snacks, water, and portable chargers in case you’re stuck for long hours at the airport or in transit.
5. Prepare for Delays: If traveling by car, always have an emergency kit with blankets, warm clothes, and a flashlight to handle unexpected roadside delays.

Final Thoughts: Adapting to Winter Storm Challenges

Winter storms, including snowstorms and bomb cyclones, are a significant challenge for both travelers and airlines. While cancellations and delays seem like unavoidable setbacks, being prepared and informed can help ease the frustration and minimise the disruptions. Airlines, ground services, and passengers all need to work together to ensure that travelers can still enjoy their holidays despite the weather. Going forward, the key to improving winter travel resilience lies in proactive planning, flexible travel options, and timely communication during severe weather events.