Thousands of Passengers Left Stranded at DFW After Over 140 American Airlines Flights Canceled, Including Routes to Fort Lauderdale, Newark, Phoenix and More

Published on August 29, 2025

Thousands of passengers were left stranded at Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) after over 140 American Airlines flights were canceled due to severe thunderstorms in the area, including routes to Fort Lauderdale, Newark, Phoenix, and more. The travel havoc caused by flight cancellations and delays was compounded by the FAA’s imposed ground stops at both DFW and Dallas Love Field airports. Even with the ground stops being lifted at 8:30 p.m., numerous delays to other flights meant that travelers and airport staff alike were still left without clarity on the travel timelines for the day.

Severe thunderstorms in North Texas have caused widespread disruptions at both Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) and Dallas Love Field, resulting in significant flight delays and cancellations. American Airlines faced the brunt of the impact, with 142 cancellations (4% of their scheduled flights) and 112 delays (3% of their scheduled flights). Affected routes included major destinations like St. Louis, Detroit, Fort Lauderdale, and LaGuardia, along with many others. In total, 61 flights were canceled at DFW, and 116 flights were delayed at Dallas Love Field, leading to chaos for thousands of passengers. The FAA issued ground stops at both airports, adding to the uncertainty and frustration as travelers were left stranded or rerouted. While the ground stop was lifted around 8:30 p.m., the disruptions continued well into the evening, with travelers facing long wait times and rebooking delays. The storm highlighted the challenges of air travel during extreme weather, leaving many passengers unsure when they could reach their destinations.

Impact of Ground Stops and Cancellations at DFW

At the height of the storm, the FAA confirmed a 30-60% chance that the ground stop would extend throughout the day, leaving travelers unsure of when they could board their flights. According to FlightAware, a total of 707 flights were delayed at DFW, while 116 flights were delayed at Dallas Love Field. Even more concerning, 61 flights were canceled at DFW, further compounding the frustration for passengers.

As the storm clouds began to clear, both airports lifted the ground stop around 8:30 p.m., but the damage had already been done. Thousands of tourists were left stranded or faced significant delays. Many of them were unable to reach their destinations, causing ripple effects on both domestic and international flights. The cancellations and delays primarily affected travelers flying American Airlines, though other carriers also experienced disruptions.

Key Flight Cancellations and Delays

Here are the most impacted routes, highlighting the severity of the situation:

At Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport (DFW):

• American Airlines experienced the highest number of cancellations, with over 140 flights affected. Some of the major destinations impacted included:
  • St. Louis (KSTL)
  • Detroit Metro Wayne Co (KDTW)
  • Ontario (KONT)
  • LaGuardia (KLGA)
  • Nashville Intl (KBNA)
  • San Diego Intl (KSAN)
  • Fort Lauderdale Intl (KFLL)
  • Chicago O’Hare Intl (KORD)
  • Newark Liberty Intl (KEWR)
  • Richmond Intl (KRIC)

These cancellations had a significant impact on passengers who were looking to visit popular cities or attend business events.

At Dallas Love Field (KDAL):

• Southwest Airlines, the primary carrier at Dallas Love Field, reported 11 delays, but no cancellations. The impacted routes included:
  • Portland Intl (KPDX)
  • St. Louis Lambert Intl (KSTL)
  • Chicago O’Hare Intl (KORD)

Despite fewer delays and no cancellations, these disruptions caused significant inconveniences for travelers, particularly those heading to or from major U.S. hubs.

What We Know So Far

In total, more than 140 American Airlines flights were canceled, with over 700 flights delayed across both Dallas airports. The FAA’s grounding of flights in the affected area and the persistent weather conditions compounded the problem, especially for passengers with tight schedules.

Here’s a breakdown of the disruptions:

Total Delays:

• Dallas-Fort Worth Intl Airport: 54 delays
• Dallas Love Field Airport: 11 delays

Total Cancellations:

• Dallas-Fort Worth Intl Airport: 127 cancellations
• Dallas Love Field Airport: 0 cancellations

American Airlines Cancellations:

• 142 canceled flights (10% of their scheduled flights)
• 112 delayed flights (3% of their scheduled flights)

Impact on Airlines:

• American Airlines had the most significant impact, with numerous routes severely affected.
• Envoy Air and SkyWest were the secondary carriers impacted, with delays and cancellations.
• JetBlue, Delta, and United Airlines also experienced a few cancellations, though these were less significant.

Traveler Experience and the Stranded Tourists

The storm’s impact was felt by thousands of tourists who had planned their vacations to various destinations. With flight cancellations and delays lasting for several hours, many passengers found themselves stranded in crowded terminals, unsure of when they would be able to board their flights.

• Tourists heading to popular destinations like Fort Lauderdale, San Diego, and New York faced the longest delays, as the cancellations and weather issues led to significant disruptions in the American Airlines flight schedule.
• Passengers trying to connect to international destinations like Los Angeles, Paris, and Mexico City faced uncertainty as flights were not only delayed but also re-routed. For many international passengers, this meant missed connections or the need to rebook entire trips.

With the ongoing weather delays and no clear sign of when the storms would clear, passengers were advised to check the status of their flights frequently. Many travelers had to make do with limited information, as flight attendants and gate agents scrambled to manage the unexpected surge in queries.

Efforts to Manage the Crisis

While the immediate chaos was unavoidable, both Dallas-Fort Worth and Dallas Love Field airports quickly mobilized teams to manage the overwhelming number of affected passengers. American Airlines and other carriers offered rebooking options for stranded passengers, though the limited availability of seats on the next flights meant that many passengers would have to wait until the next day or even longer.

Several passengers expressed frustration with the lack of timely communication regarding flight delays and cancellations. Some even resorted to spending the night in the airport as hotels in the area filled up quickly.

Tips for Travelers Affected by Flight Disruptions

For future travelers, it’s important to be prepared for flight disruptions, particularly during severe weather events. Here are a few tips to help minimize the impact of delays and cancellations:

• Always Check Flight Status: Before heading to the airport, check the flight status for any updates on delays or cancellations.
• Be Prepared to Rebook: If your flight is canceled, be ready to rebook quickly. Airlines usually offer rebooking options, but the seats fill up fast during busy travel times.
• Consider Travel Insurance: Travel insurance can offer some peace of mind, particularly for expensive trips or international flights.
• Pack Snacks and Entertainment: Being stuck in the airport for hours can be frustrating, especially for families. Pack snacks, chargers, and entertainment to keep yourself and your family occupied.
• Stay Updated: Make sure to stay in touch with your airline for updates on the situation, as weather-related issues can change rapidly.

Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Dallas-Fort Worth Travelers?

As the storms subsided and ground stops were lifted, the situation at Dallas-Fort Worth and Dallas Love Field began to return to normal. However, with over 140 flights canceled and hundreds delayed, it will take time for airlines to return to their regular schedules. American Airlines and other carriers are working hard to accommodate stranded passengers, but the long-term impact of the storm is still being felt by travelers across the country.

Given the ongoing uncertainty in North Texas, it’s likely that delays and cancellations will continue for the next few days. Travelers should remain vigilant and monitor their flight statuses closely as American Airlines and other carriers work to return to normal operations.

The storm that hit North Texas has undoubtedly left thousands of tourists stranded and frustrated, especially those flying American Airlines. With over 140 flights canceled at Dallas-Fort Worth and many others delayed, the storm’s impact has rippled through the travel industry. Although operations at both airports have resumed, passengers should expect continued disruptions as airlines work to clear the backlog of delayed and canceled flights.

Thousands of passengers were left stranded at Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport after over 140 American Airlines flights were canceled due to severe thunderstorms. The weather disruptions, affecting routes to Fort Lauderdale, Newark, Phoenix, and more, caused widespread chaos for travelers.

For those still traveling through North Texas, it’s important to remain flexible and patient as you navigate the effects of this unprecedented weather event. The chaos has been a reminder of how unpredictable air travel can be, especially during severe weather conditions.