Thousands of Passengers Grounded across US as Republic, American, United, Air Canada, Frontier and More Airlines Face More than 2000 Cancellations and 7065 Delays in Memphis, Charlotte, Greensboro, Lexington, Little Rock, Buffalo and Beyond

Published on November 10, 2025

Thousands of passengers grounded across the US are facing widespread disruption as Republic, American, United, Air Canada, Frontier, and other airlines struggle to manage more than 2,000 cancellations and 7,065 delays. This chaos is hitting major airports as well as smaller cities, including Memphis, Charlotte, Greensboro, Lexington, Little Rock, and Buffalo. The ongoing US government shutdown continues to put immense pressure on airline operations, leaving passengers stranded or frustrated by long waits. Republic, American, and United have been particularly affected, with numerous flights grounded, while Air Canada and Frontier are also facing significant disruptions.

Travelers flying out of these airports are urged to stay informed about their flight status and check for updates regularly. With so many delays and cancellations, the travel nightmare continues, affecting both major hubs and smaller regional airports alike.

Total Delays and Cancellations Across US Airports: The Current Crisis

Today, air travel across the United States has been significantly disrupted due to the ongoing government shutdown, which has strained airport operations and air traffic control services. The total figures for delays and cancellations within, into, or out of the United States are as follows:

• Total Delays Today: 7,065 delays
• Total Cancellations Today: 2,020 cancellations

These numbers highlight the massive scale of the disruptions, with nearly 7,000 flights delayed and almost 2,000 cancelled across US airports. The shutdown has caused a ripple effect throughout the country, impacting both domestic and international travel.

US Airports Affected by Cancellations and Delays

The shutdown’s effects have been felt at major airports across the United States. These airports, which serve as critical hubs for both domestic and international flights, have seen significant delays and cancellations. Below is a breakdown of the major airports affected by the disruptions:

1. Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson (ATL) – Atlanta, GA

As the world’s busiest airport, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta has experienced a staggering 520 delays and 386 cancellations. This airport serves as a key hub for Delta Airlines, and the disruptions have caused ripple effects across the flight network.

2. Chicago O’Hare (ORD) – Chicago, IL

Chicago O’Hare, another major travel hub, has faced 886 delays and 251 cancellations. The airport’s extensive flight network has been heavily impacted, causing significant backlogs throughout the day.

3. Newark Liberty (EWR) – Newark, NJ

Newark Liberty has seen 433 delays and 248 cancellations today, contributing to the overall chaos in the New York metropolitan area. The airport is known for its high volume of international flights, which have been particularly affected.

4. LaGuardia (LGA) – New York, NY

LaGuardia, one of New York’s busiest airports, has been affected with 460 delays and 179 cancellations. The airport’s limited capacity and high traffic volume have only worsened the situation.

5. Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW) – Dallas/Fort Worth, TX

Dallas/Fort Worth, a major transit hub in the southern United States, has seen 338 delays and 101 cancellations as the shutdown continues to affect its operations.

6. Detroit Metro (DTW) – Detroit, MI

Detroit Metro has reported 380 delays and 82 cancellations, frustrating passengers traveling through the airport on both domestic and international routes.

7. Charlotte Douglas (CLT) – Charlotte, NC

Charlotte Douglas has faced 198 delays and 78 cancellations, with many passengers left waiting for alternative flight arrangements.

8. Boston Logan (BOS) – Boston, MA

Boston Logan Airport has experienced 208 delays and 76 cancellations, adding to the frustration for travelers trying to reach or depart from this major New England hub.

9. Minneapolis/St. Paul (MSP) – Minneapolis, MN

Minneapolis/St. Paul, another significant hub, has seen 214 delays and 74 cancellations, with the shutdown causing ongoing delays in the area’s flight operations.

10. Reagan National (DCA) – Washington, D.C.

Washington D.C.’s Reagan National Airport has recorded 232 delays and 70 cancellations today. The close proximity to other busy airports in the region has compounded the disruptions.

Airlines Affected due to Cancellations by US Government Shutdown Disruptions: A Deep Dive

The ongoing US government shutdown has wreaked havoc on air travel, with numerous airlines experiencing significant delays and cancellations. Major carriers like Delta Air Lines, American Airlines, Southwest, and United are seeing widespread operational issues, severely impacting their ability to maintain regular schedules. In addition, regional and smaller carriers, such as SkyWest, Republic Airways, Envoy Air, Endeavor Air, and PSA Airlines, are also grappling with the shutdown’s ripple effects.

Airlines like JetBlue, Spirit, Alaska Airlines, and Frontier are facing a considerable number of flight disruptions, adding to the stress of thousands of passengers. GoJet, Mesa Airlines, and CommuteAir under the United Airlines banner, along with Horizon and Piedmont Airlines for American Airlines, are similarly struggling to operate on time. Low-cost carriers like Sun Country Airlines, Breeze Airways, Allegiant Air, and regional services from Air Wisconsin and Contour Airlines are also affected by these severe disruptions.

What’s Causing These Disruptions?

The US government shutdown has been the primary cause behind the travel chaos, with several key government services and departments being impacted. These include:

• Air Traffic Control Delays: The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is facing staff shortages due to the shutdown, resulting in delays and reduced staffing at air traffic control centers, which directly impacts flight schedules.
• Airport Security Checks: The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is also operating with a reduced workforce, causing longer wait times at security checkpoints and delays in processing passengers.
• Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Delays: The shutdown has also affected CBP, leading to longer wait times for international travelers arriving in the US.

These factors combined have contributed to a significant backlog of delayed and cancelled flights, particularly at major airports such as Hartsfield-Jackson, O’Hare, and Newark Liberty.

What Can Affected Passengers Do Now?

For passengers facing disruptions at US airports, it’s crucial to stay informed and take immediate action to minimize the impact of delays and cancellations:

1. Check for Updates: Stay updated on flight statuses by regularly checking the airline’s website, mobile app, or flight information displays at the airport. Many airlines provide real-time updates on cancellations and delays.
2. Consider Alternative Flights: If your flight has been cancelled, ask the airline about rebooking options. Many airlines will offer alternative flights, but availability may be limited due to the large number of passengers already affected.
3. Sign Up for Alerts: Airlines and airports typically offer text or email alerts to notify passengers of flight changes. Signing up for these notifications can help you stay informed on the status of your flight.
4. Prepare for Long Waits: With long lines expected at security checkpoints and check-in counters, it’s essential to remain patient and allow extra time at the airport. Bring entertainment, snacks, and essential items to make the wait more manageable.
5. Know Your Rights: Familiarize yourself with your rights as a passenger, especially if your flight is delayed or cancelled. Airlines are generally required to offer compensation or rebooking options in the event of cancellations due to operational reasons.

Conclusion: Navigating the Shutdown Chaos

The US government shutdown has created a ripple effect across the country, severely impacting air travel. With over 7,000 delays and over 2,000 cancellations today alone, passengers across the United States are facing significant disruptions. The situation is expected to continue unless the government reopens, but for now, affected passengers should remain vigilant and proactive in managing their travel plans.

As the shutdown persists, travelers should continue to monitor flight updates and be prepared for possible changes. Staying informed and being flexible with travel plans will help ease the stress of navigating this turbulent time for air travel.

Source: Flightaware and Affected Airports