Thousands of Passengers Isolated across US as Southwest, Delta, American, United and More Airlines Face 467 Cancellations and 5,987 Delays New York, Boston, Denver, Long Island, Los Angeles, and Others

Published on December 20, 2025

Thousands of passengers across the US are facing severe travel disruptions today as Southwest, Delta, American Airlines, United, and several other major carriers experience 467 cancellations and 5,987 delays. New York, Boston, Denver, Long Island, and Los Angeles are among the hardest-hit cities, where travelers have been stranded for hours due to weather-related issues, wind delays, and airport congestion. Many passengers have had their travel plans upended, with flights being delayed or canceled in significant numbers. The situation remains fluid, and authorities are working to manage the backlog, though thousands of passengers remain stranded at airports across the country. For those affected, staying informed and checking for updates from airlines will be crucial to navigating this ongoing disruption.

Total Disruptions and Airlines Affected

As of today, 5,987 delays and 467 cancellations have been reported within, into, and out of the United States. These disruptions have been particularly noticeable in airports across the country, as airlines and ground services struggle to manage the volume of passengers during the holiday season and adverse weather conditions.

Key Reasons Behind Delays and Cancellations

The reasons behind these disruptions are varied, but several factors have contributed to the massive delays:

1. Ground Delays Due to Airport Volume:
   • ASE (Aspen/Pitkin County Airport) is experiencing an average delay of 57 minutes due to high airport volume, impacting multiple flights in and out of the region.
   • San Diego Intl (SAN) is facing an average delay of 33 minutes due to airport volume. The volume of incoming and outgoing flights has been overwhelming, creating congestion and bottlenecks.
   • TEB (Teterboro Airport) has a 69-minute average delay due to wind, highlighting the strain caused by wind-related conditions on operations.
2. Weather-Related Delays:
   • Boston Logan Intl (BOS) is facing a 68-minute average delay, primarily caused by wind conditions that are slowing down ground operations.
   • Denver Intl (DEN) is grappling with 120-minute delays due to wind, affecting passengers traveling through this major hub. Strong gusts have hampered takeoff and landing procedures, pushing back flight schedules.
   • LaGuardia (LGA) and JFK airports are also dealing with wind-related disruptions, leading to delays of 107 minutes and 147 minutes respectively. These wind delays are causing knock-on effects, as aircraft are slowed on the tarmac or held in position.
   • Washington Dulles Intl (IAD) reports 101-minute delays caused by wind, forcing delays in both departures and arrivals.
3. Deicing Delays:
   • Cleveland-Hopkins Intl (CLE) and Pittsburgh Intl (PIT) have been affected by deicing issues. Deicing operations, essential for clearing ice off aircraft before takeoff, have caused significant delays, especially in cold weather conditions.
   • PIT started its deicing operations on 19/11:20 PM GMT+5:30, and CLE began theirs the day before, resulting in slowdowns for many passengers.
4. Departure Delays Due to Multi-Taxiing:
   • Southwest Florida Intl (RSW) is experiencing growing 15-minute delays, with the issue expected to increase as multiple taxis and ground traffic are causing delays in airport operations.

Airports and Cities Most Affected by Disruptions

The major airports impacted by these disruptions are scattered across the United States. Key hubs like New York’s LaGuardia (LGA), Boston Logan (BOS), Denver Intl (DEN), and San Francisco (SFO) have been heavily affected. Passengers departing from Washington Dulles (IAD), JFK, and San Diego Intl (SAN) are also facing considerable delays due to both volume and weather-related issues. Smaller airports, such as Pittsburgh (PIT), Cleveland (CLE), and Aspen (ASE), are also seeing delays related to deicing and ground congestion.

Analysis of Affected Airlines

Southwest Airlines has faced the most severe disruptions, with 1,356 delays and 26 cancellations today. The airline’s extensive network and high volume of passengers make it particularly vulnerable to delays, with many of its flights departing from major hubs like Dallas and Phoenix.

Republic Airways and JetBlue are also seeing notable disruptions, with 274 delays and 52 cancellations for Republic, and 257 delays and 51 cancellations for JetBlue. These airlines are facing severe operational challenges, causing knock-on effects for passengers trying to reach their destinations on time.

Other airlines, such as Delta Air Lines and SkyWest, are seeing high numbers of delays, with 447 delays for Delta and 441 delays for SkyWest, impacting passengers traveling through airports like Atlanta, Chicago, and San Francisco.

Smaller regional airlines like Envoy Air and Breeze Airways are also seeing cancellations, though their overall impact on the broader network is more limited.

What Affected Passengers Can Do Now

For those experiencing delays and cancellations, it is essential to take immediate action to manage the situation:

1. Stay Informed:
   • Passengers should check flight status frequently using airline apps, airport websites, or the FAA website for real-time updates. Airlines are issuing alerts and advisories that will keep you informed about any changes in flight status.
2. Rebooking Options:
   • Travelers whose flights are canceled should explore rebooking options with their airline, especially if the delay or cancellation is due to weather conditions or airport congestion. It’s important to rebook as early as possible, as space on later flights may become limited.
3. Know Your Rights:
   • Passengers are entitled to compensation in certain cases. The U.S. Department of Transportation outlines rules for rebooking, compensation, and refunds. If your flight is canceled or significantly delayed, know that you may be eligible for a meal voucher, hotel accommodation, or other forms of compensation depending on the length of delay and the airline’s policies.
4. Prepare for Longer Wait Times:
   • Given the high volume of delays, passengers should plan for extra time at the airport. This includes waiting in long lines for rebooking, security checks, and boarding procedures.
5. Contact Customer Service:
   • In case of a cancellation or delay, passengers should reach out to the airline’s customer service team. Many airlines provide options to assist with rebooking or compensating for travel inconveniences. Be sure to have your booking reference ready.

Conclusion

With over 5,900 delays and nearly 500 cancellations reported today across U.S. airports, passengers are advised to remain patient and proactive. Weather-related disruptions, deicing issues, and airport volume are causing widespread delays that could last well into the coming days. By staying informed, rebooking early, and understanding their rights, affected travelers can mitigate the impact of these disruptions on their plans.

Source: FlightAware and Affected Airports, FAA