Thousands of Passengers Grounded Across US as Delta, Alaska, United, SkyWest, Southwest and Other Airlines Face 103 Cancellations and 1,951 Delays in Atlanta, Rogue Valley, Kahului, Los Angeles, Anchorage, Philadelphia and More

Published on December 17, 2025

Thousands of passengers have been grounded across the US today as Delta, Alaska, United, SkyWest, Southwest, and other airlines face 103 cancellations and 1,951 delays. The disruptions have impacted major airports in cities like Atlanta, Rogue Valley, Kahului, Los Angeles, Anchorage, and Philadelphia. As severe weather conditions continue, deicing operations have caused significant delays and cancellations, leaving travelers stranded. With weather challenges complicating operations, affected passengers are now facing long waiting times and limited flight availability. This widespread disruption has rippled across numerous airports, creating a domino effect, particularly at major hubs.

Travelers hoping to reach their destinations from cities like Atlanta, Philadelphia, and Anchorage should expect extended delays and potential rebooking issues. If you’re one of the affected passengers, it’s crucial to stay updated with airline announcements for rebooking options and compensation details.

Airports Most Affected by Disruptions

A large number of US airports have been affected, with major hubs like Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL), John F Kennedy International Airport (JFK), and San Francisco International Airport (SFO) leading the list of impacted airports. The ongoing deicing operations and adverse weather conditions are the primary reasons for the delays and cancellations.

Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)

Hartsfield-Jackson, one of the busiest airports in the world, has been severely impacted, reporting 21 cancellations and 111 delays today. The high volume of delays and cancellations is attributed to the ongoing deicing procedures, which are necessary to ensure aircraft safety in freezing conditions.

John F Kennedy International Airport (JFK)

At JFK in New York, travelers have faced 152 delays and 10 cancellations. The airport’s position on the East Coast makes it particularly vulnerable to winter weather disruptions, and this ongoing storm has grounded flights throughout the day.

San Francisco International Airport (SFO)

Passengers traveling through San Francisco International have faced 6 cancellations and 70 delays, with deicing efforts affecting the airport’s operational capacity. The delays are causing knock-on effects, especially for connecting flights to other international destinations.

Airlines Suffering the Most Disruptions

Several US-based airlines have been severely impacted by the ongoing weather disruptions. Delta Air Lines, Alaska Airlines, and United Airlines top the list of affected carriers, with hundreds of passengers stranded and forced to rebook or wait for updates.

Delta Air Lines

Delta Air Lines, which operates a large number of flights out of Hartsfield-Jackson ATL, has reported 26 cancellations and 146 delays. Many of these delays are related to deicing operations, which have delayed departures from several key airports across the United States.

Alaska Airlines

Alaska Airlines has been another major airline affected, with 15 cancellations and 76 delays. The airline has a significant presence in airports like Seattle-Tacoma International (SEA) and Portland International (PDX), where deicing delays have compounded the already challenging weather conditions.

United Airlines

United Airlines has experienced 7 cancellations and 117 delays. The airline, which operates flights out of major airports like Chicago O’Hare (ORD) and Denver International (DEN), is grappling with adverse weather conditions that have heavily disrupted their schedule.

Other Affected Airports and Airlines

Other airports across the United States, such as Philadelphia International (PHL), Seattle-Tacoma (SEA), and Los Angeles International (LAX), are also reporting delays and cancellations. Smaller regional airlines like SkyWest, Horizon Air (ASA), and Endeavor Air are also facing severe operational issues due to the weather.

What Affected Passengers Can Do Now

For passengers facing delays and cancellations today, it’s important to stay informed and proactive. Here are some steps you can take to minimize disruption to your travel plans:

• Stay Updated with Airlines: Most airlines, including Delta, Alaska Airlines, and United, offer real-time flight status updates on their websites and apps. Make sure to regularly check for any changes to your flight schedule.
• Rebook Flights: If your flight has been cancelled, airlines are offering rebooking options. It’s best to contact your airline’s customer service or use their online tools to quickly reschedule your flight.
• Know Your Rights: Under US Department of Transportation regulations, passengers on domestic flights are entitled to compensation if a delay or cancellation is caused by the airline. Be sure to inquire about compensation for meals, accommodation, or vouchers for future flights.
• Prepare for Extended Wait Times: In the case of weather-related delays, the airport may be overcrowded, and wait times may be longer than usual. Bring snacks, entertainment, and other essentials to keep yourself comfortable while you wait.
• Consider Alternative Transportation: If your flight is severely delayed or cancelled and you can’t get rebooked on a flight soon, consider alternative modes of transportation like trains or buses, especially if you’re traveling a shorter distance.

Total Disruptions in the US Today

As of today, there have been 1,951 delays and 103 cancellations across airports in the US. The majority of these disruptions have been caused by deicing operations and poor weather conditions, with airports and airlines working around the clock to clear the backlog of flights.

For passengers flying today, the best course of action is to stay informed about the status of their flights, be prepared for long wait times, and act quickly to rebook or find alternate travel options.

Conclusion

Travel disruptions continue to impact travelers across the US, with major airports like Hartsfield-Jackson, JFK, and SFO seeing 1,951 delays and 103 cancellations. Airlines such as Delta, Alaska, and United are facing significant operational challenges due to the winter weather. Affected passengers should stay informed, consider rebooking their flights, and be prepared for delays as weather conditions continue to affect air travel throughout the country.

Source: FlightAware and Affected Airports