Thousands of Passengers Isolated Across U.S. as SkyWest, Southwest, American, Delta, United and More Airlines Face 442 Cancellations and 5,772 Delays in Chicago, Atlanta, Fort Wayne, Anchorage, Springfield and Others

Published on December 2, 2025

Thousands of passengers are currently stranded across the U.S. as SkyWest, Southwest, American, Delta, United, and several other airlines face major disruptions. The ongoing storm has led to 442 cancellations and 5,772 delays, causing widespread chaos at airports in cities like Chicago, Atlanta, Fort Wayne, Anchorage, Springfield, and many others. The severe weather has resulted in numerous flights being grounded, leaving travelers stuck at airports with little to no information. With these delays and cancellations, passengers are facing long wait times, and some have been forced to rebook their flights for later dates. Airports are struggling to manage the growing backlog, and travelers are advised to stay updated on their flight status.

With SkyWest, Southwest, American, Delta, United and other airlines facing these disruptions, the situation is expected to worsen before it improves, leaving many uncertain about when they’ll be able to travel.

Winter Storm Strengthens into Bomb Cyclone, Affecting U.S. Travel

The third winter storm to strike the U.S. in a week is intensifying into a bomb cyclone, expected to bring widespread snowfall to the northeast and New England by Tuesday. As of now, 33.4% of the U.S. is covered in snow, marking the official start of meteorological winter. This is the most snow on December 1st since 2019, when 41% of the country was blanketed in snow.

The storm is moving up the East Coast, prompting 27 states to issue weather advisories across a stretch of 1,500 miles. Winter storm warnings are in effect for parts of the northeast, while winter weather advisories are in place from Montana to Maine.

A bomb cyclone forms when a storm experiences a rapid pressure drop of at least 24 millibars in 24 hours, and this storm is expected to see a pressure drop of 27-29 millibars by Wednesday.

Current snowfall reports include 14 inches in the Colorado Rockies, 2-4 inches in Kansas City, and 2.3 inches in St. Louis, where authorities are responding to numerous crashes. In St. Louis, roads are deteriorating rapidly, with commuters urged to exercise extreme caution. The storm has also impacted Chicago, where fresh snowfall has caused further disruptions at both of the city’s airports.

Total Delays and Cancellations Today

• Total Delays: 5,772
• Total Cancellations: 442

These numbers reflect the widespread impact across multiple regions and airports in the U.S., where flights are being delayed or canceled due to weather and congestion. Passengers traveling through these affected hubs are experiencing disruptions that range from moderate delays to complete cancellations.

Major Airports Affected by Disruptions

Chicago O’Hare Intl (ORD) – Ground Delay Due to Snow and Ice

One of the busiest airports in the country, Chicago O’Hare has been significantly impacted by weather conditions. A ground delay from 3:30 AM to 10:29 AM GMT+5:30, caused by snow and ice, resulted in an average delay of 82 minutes. This delay impacted numerous flights, disrupting travelers flying in and out of this key hub.

Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta Intl (ATL) – High Volume Delays

Atlanta, known for its bustling air traffic, is experiencing delays primarily due to high airport volume. Travelers are dealing with extended wait times, adding to the usual congestion that this airport experiences daily. Although not specific, these delays are contributing to significant disruptions, particularly for travelers heading to or from the Southeast.

Miami Intl (MIA) and Fort Lauderdale Intl (FLL) – Delays and Cancellations

South Florida’s airports have also seen their share of delays and cancellations, affecting flights to and from Miami and Fort Lauderdale. In particular, Miami experienced a range of delays related to operational issues, impacting passengers’ schedules, particularly on domestic routes.

Minneapolis/St Paul Intl (MSP) and Kansas City Intl (MCI) – Deicing Delays

Both Minneapolis/St. Paul and Kansas City airports reported significant deicing delays. These operations were required to ensure the safety of planes in freezing conditions, with deicing operations beginning in the evening and continuing into the following day. Passengers flying through these airports should anticipate longer-than-usual wait times due to deicing and other safety protocols.

Cities and Regions Most Affected by Disruptions

The following cities and regions are experiencing the most significant impact:

• Chicago (ORD): As a major connecting hub, the snow and ice conditions at O’Hare have caused major ripple effects for travelers across the U.S., with delays averaging 82 minutes.
• Atlanta (ATL): High volumes of air traffic are causing longer delays, especially for passengers with connections in the Southeast.
• Kansas City (MCI): Due to deicing operations, travelers are experiencing delays, and the impact could extend through the night.
• Miami (MIA) and Fort Lauderdale (FLL): Airport volume is creating congestion, contributing to delays across domestic and international flights.
• Minneapolis and St. Paul (MSP): Deicing delays have led to longer wait times for passengers departing or arriving at this northern hub.

What Affected Passengers Can Do Now

1. Check Flight Status Regularly
   Passengers should regularly check flight statuses on their airline’s website or through mobile apps for real-time updates on delays or cancellations. Airlines are updating their systems frequently, especially during adverse weather conditions.
2. Consider Alternate Routes or Airports
   If your flight is canceled or severely delayed, consider booking an alternate route or flying out of a nearby airport if possible. For example, if you’re flying to Chicago, check whether you can reroute through a nearby city like St. Louis or Indianapolis.
3. Contact Airlines for Assistance
   Airlines often provide assistance, such as meal vouchers or rebooking on later flights, when significant delays occur. Contact the airline’s customer service either via phone, online chat, or at the airport to discuss your options.
4. Plan for Extended Wait Times
   With deicing operations underway and multiple delays, passengers should prepare for long waits at airports, especially in areas like Kansas City, Minneapolis, and Chicago. Bring entertainment, snacks, and any necessary documents to make the wait more manageable.
5. Stay Informed of Weather Conditions
   Passengers should keep an eye on the weather in both their departure and arrival cities. Severe weather like snow and ice can cause further disruptions, even after leaving the airport. Stay informed through weather apps or news updates.

Conclusion

The travel disruptions across U.S. airports today are a reminder of how weather conditions and airport volume can dramatically impact air travel. With 5,772 delays and 442 cancellations reported today, passengers are facing lengthy delays and cancellations at major hubs, particularly in Chicago, Atlanta, Kansas City, and Minneapolis. While the situation remains fluid, passengers are advised to stay updated and be proactive in seeking assistance from airlines. By staying informed and flexible, travelers can better manage the disruption and continue their journeys as smoothly as possible.

Source: FlightAware and Affected Airports, livemint