Thousands of Passengers Stranded in US as Southwest, American, United, SkyWest, Envoy and Other Airlines Face 1,263 Cancellations and 3,941 Delays Amid Severe Weather and Technical Issues, in Chicago, Dallas, New York, Atlanta, Minneapolis, Miami and More

Published on November 30, 2025

Thousands of passengers are stranded across the US today as Southwest, American, United, SkyWest, Envoy, and other airlines face a staggering 1,263 cancellations and 3,941 delays. This widespread disruption is mainly due to severe weather and technical issues affecting flight operations. Major cities like Chicago, Dallas, New York, Atlanta, Minneapolis, Miami, and several others are seeing the most significant impacts. As airlines struggle to manage the situation, many passengers are left waiting for hours or scrambling to find alternative routes. Airlines are actively working to resolve the issue, but with flights grounded or delayed, the chaos is expected to last for the foreseeable future.

This crisis is particularly challenging for travelers heading to or from major U.S. airports, where overcrowding and long lines at customer service counters are becoming a common sight.

EASA Directive Causes Uncertainty for Airbus A320 Fleet

The European Union Aviation Safety Agency’s (EASA) Emergency Airworthiness Directive (EAD), effective from 29 November, has sent shockwaves through the aviation industry. This directive affects the Airbus A320 family, including the A319, A320, and A321 aircraft, following an incident where an A320 experienced an uncommanded, limited pitch-down event while flying on autopilot. The malfunction was traced to a specific version of the aircraft’s Elevator Aileron Computer (ELAC), prompting regulators to mandate the removal and replacement of affected ELAC units before these aircraft can continue operations.

As a result, some Airbus A320 family aircraft will be temporarily grounded across Europe, impacting numerous major airports. Although not all aircraft in this fleet are affected, those with the faulty ELAC must undergo corrective action before flying again. This directive has come at a particularly delicate time, with the year-end travel rush already underway, causing a ripple effect in Europe’s busiest hubs.

Impact of Weather Conditions on U.S. and European Air Travel

In addition to the ongoing compliance efforts prompted by the EASA directive, adverse weather conditions are exacerbating the situation. Several U.S. airports, including Chicago O’Hare, Minneapolis-St. Paul, and Nashville, have been severely impacted by snow and ice, leading to widespread delays and cancellations. For instance, O’Hare International Airport has seen delays due to snow and ice, with average delays reaching up to 300 minutes.

Meanwhile, Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport has been grappling with deicing operations, further slowing down the flight schedules. At Nashville International, ground delays due to unspecified reasons have added to the chaos, contributing to an average delay of 37 minutes. These weather-related disruptions have added to the already significant delays caused by the EASA directive.

Airports and Cities Affected: Analyzing the Impact

In the United States, multiple airports are experiencing weather-related delays that are compounding existing issues. Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) is one of the hardest-hit airports, with delays due to snow and ice conditions, adding a layer of difficulty to travelers already facing challenges with flight cancellations and delays. Minneapolis-St. Paul (MSP) and Nashville (BNA) are also experiencing delays due to deicing and ground delays, respectively. Passengers at these airports can expect longer wait times at gates and possible rebooking challenges.

Total Delays and Cancellations Across the U.S.

As of today, 3,810 total delays have been reported across the United States, alongside 1,231 cancellations. This comes as no surprise given the weather disruptions and the technical grounding of affected aircraft in Europe.

What Affected Passengers Can Do Now

With so many flights affected by both the EASA directive and severe weather conditions, it’s important for passengers to stay informed and be proactive. Here are some steps to take to minimize the impact of these disruptions:

1. Stay Updated on Flight Status

Passengers should frequently check their flight status through airline apps or websites. Airline notifications will provide the most up-to-date information on any changes or delays. Do not solely rely on airport boards, as these may not always be updated in real-time.

2. Arrive Early

Given the high volume of cancellations and delays, it’s advisable to arrive at the airport well in advance of your departure time. This will allow ample time to adjust to any last-minute changes and reduce stress.

3. Monitor Rebooking Options

Travelers who face cancellations or significant delays should contact their airlines for rebooking options. Many airlines are offering rebooking on the next available flights, although options may be limited due to high demand.

4. Consider Travel Insurance

For those who have travel insurance, review your coverage to understand your rights and compensation options in the event of cancellations or delays. If you don’t already have insurance, it may be worth considering for future trips.

5. Prepare for Long Waits and Crowding

Passengers should be prepared for longer wait times at customer service desks and gates. With many airlines grappling to accommodate affected travelers, staffing shortages and crowded airports are expected.

Conclusion

The convergence of technical issues related to the Airbus A320 family and severe weather conditions has caused widespread disruptions in air travel across Europe and the U.S. As the EASA directive takes effect and airlines work to bring their fleets into compliance, passengers should expect potential delays, cancellations, and other disruptions in the coming days. Staying informed, arriving early, and being flexible with travel plans are key strategies to manage the uncertainty and minimize the impact of these ongoing disruptions.

Source: FlightAware and Affected Airports