Thousands of Passengers Affected Across the U.S. as Delta, Southwest, Spirit, American, PSA and Other Airlines Hit by 257 Cancellations and 4,603 Delays at New York, Tampa, Chicago, Dallas, Des Moines and More

Published on December 21, 2025

Thousands of passengers across the U.S. are facing significant disruptions today, as major airlines including Delta, Southwest, Spirit, American, PSA, and others struggle with 257 cancellations and 4,603 delays. Airports in New York, Tampa, Chicago, Dallas, Des Moines, and more are seeing widespread impacts as flight schedules are heavily affected. Weather conditions, airport congestion, and increased air traffic volumes are major contributors to these delays. Passengers are experiencing long wait times and frustration, with many flights being delayed or canceled at some of the busiest airports in the country.

As a result, travelers are being advised to stay updated on their flight statuses and contact airlines for rebooking options. With major cities like New York, Chicago, and Dallas reporting significant disruptions, this has become one of the most challenging travel days of the year for many.

Disruption Causes: Reasons Behind the Delays

Today, travelers across the U.S. are facing significant disruptions with 4,603 delays and 257 cancellations reported. These widespread travel issues, affecting major airports and airlines, are primarily caused by factors like weather conditions, airport congestion, and increased volumes, leading to longer wait times for passengers.

At Aspen/Pitkin County Airport (ASE), low ceilings are causing an average delay of 112 minutes, as poor visibility forces aircraft to hold or delay departures. Akron-Canton Airport (CAK) is experiencing delays due to deicing procedures, essential for flight safety when ice forms on aircraft. Eagle County Airport (EGE) reports 100-minute delays due to high airport volume, especially during peak travel times, leading to congestion and slower processing. Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) is dealing with 45-minute delays (and increasing), as both high air traffic volume and weather-related factors intensify the situation.

Westchester County Airport (HPN) has an average 30-minute delay caused by departure volume, as the number of departing flights exceeds capacity. San Diego International Airport (SAN) is also affected by high volumes, leading to progressively longer delays. At Teterboro Airport (TEB), traffic management initiatives are causing 90-minute delays, while Van Nuys Airport (VNY) is experiencing delays due to compact demand, as a high volume of flights operates within limited time frames.

Airports affected across U.S.

Major airports across the U.S. are facing significant disruptions today. Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International (ATL) leads with 30 cancellations and 402 delays, making it one of the hardest-hit airports. Los Angeles International (LAX) follows closely with 19 cancellations and 233 delays, contributing to widespread travel challenges. Newark Liberty International (EWR) is also affected, reporting 17 cancellations and 155 delays, highlighting the busy airport’s struggle to manage traffic. Dallas-Fort Worth International (DFW) is experiencing 14 cancellations and 223 delays, impacting travelers flying in and out of Dallas. Similarly, Orlando International (MCO) reports 14 cancellations and 155 delays, leaving many passengers frustrated as they face long wait times.

U.S. Airlines affected

Today, several major U.S. airlines are experiencing significant disruptions with cancellations and delays affecting thousands of passengers. PSA Airlines, operating for American Airlines, has experienced the highest number of cancellations today, with 43 cancellations and 125 delays. Delta Air Lines is one of the most impacted, reporting 35 cancellations and 370 delays. Southwest Airlines follows closely, with 29 cancellations and a staggering 727 delays, significantly affecting its extensive domestic network. Spirit Airlines has also been hit hard, with 37 cancellations and 166 delays, while American Airlines is managing 3 cancellations and 423 delays. United Airlines reports 12 cancellations and 308 delays, contributing to widespread frustration at major airports.

Impact on Passengers: What Travelers Can Do Now

U.S. Travelers facing delays today due to low ceilings, deicing, airport congestion, and increased volumes should take several steps to manage the situation. First, it’s essential to stay informed about flight status by regularly checking updates, as departure times may change depending on airport conditions. If experiencing extended delays or cancellations, contact your airline for rebooking or compensation options, as many airlines offer alternate flights or vouchers.

Conclusion

Today’s flight disruptions across U.S. airports are largely due to factors such as weather conditions, airport congestion, and high volumes of air traffic. Passengers traveling through affected airports like ASE, EWR, HPN, SAN, and VNY should be prepared for delays and make sure to stay informed about the status of their flights. With over 4,603 delays and 257 cancellations, flexibility, and communication with airlines are key to managing the day’s challenges.

Source: FlightAware and Affected Airports, FAA