Thousands of Passengers Stuck in US as SkyWest, Delta Air Lines, Azul Brazilian and Hainan Face 118 Cancellations, Causing Travel Chaos Across Minneapolis, Chicago, Toronto, Florida, Boston and others

Published on December 10, 2025

The travel landscape in the United States is facing unprecedented disruption this week, with major airlines, including SkyWest, Delta Air Lines, Azul Brazilian, and Hainan Airlines, forced to cancel 118 flights. The wave of cancellations has left thousands of passengers stranded at airports in Minneapolis, Chicago, Toronto, Florida, Boston, and several other key travel hubs. The sudden flight halts have created a ripple effect, impacting travelers’ plans and causing significant delays across domestic and international routes. Passengers in these cities are left grappling with the uncertainty of when they will be able to continue their journeys, making this one of the most chaotic travel events in recent memory.

Flight Cancellations by SkyWest Airlines

SkyWest Airlines, a regional carrier operating multiple flights across the U.S., has faced significant disruption this week.

Cancelled Flights:- 19

Cancelled SkyWest Flights

• Impact on Tourism: SkyWest’s cancellations have mostly affected regional and connecting flights, which are vital for ensuring smooth transitions for tourists travelling between secondary airports and major hubs. Destinations like Minot, Devils Lake, and Missoula, often underserved by larger airlines, are especially vulnerable, with tourists now left in limbo.

Delta Air Lines Struggles with Regulatory Flight Cuts

Delta Air Lines, one of the world’s largest carriers, is also experiencing significant disruptions.

Cancelled Flights:- 31

Cancelled Delta Air Lines Flights

• Impact on Tourism: Delta’s cancellations have disrupted not only business travel but also leisure flights, including those connecting tourists to key U.S. cities. Travelers heading to popular destinations like Toronto, Tampa, and Atlanta will now have to contend with rescheduling or finding alternative means of transport. The cascading effect of these cancellations is likely to ripple through the tourism sector as tourists are forced to alter their travel plans, incurring additional costs and delays.

Azul Brazilian Airlines Faces Operational Strain

In Brazil, Azul Brazilian Airlines has also faced widespread cancellations, affecting key domestic routes. The disruptions are mainly affecting flights between Viracopos Intl (VCP) and Rio de Janeiro Galeão Intl (GIG), with several flights grounded.

Cancelled Flights:- 36

Cancelled Azul Brazilian Airlines

• Impact on Tourism: The cancellations have severely affected domestic tourism, particularly in regions that rely on frequent, short-haul flights to connect popular cities. Rio de Janeiro, a global tourism hub, has been notably impacted, with travellers to and from the city facing significant setbacks. The ripple effects are expected to reverberate across Brazilian destinations, as visitors are unable to access their intended locations.

Hainan Airlines Faces Limited Cancellations

Hainan Airlines, based in China, has experienced fewer widespread cancellations compared to other airlines like SkyWest and Delta. However, certain regional flights have been affected by operational issues and air-traffic control restrictions.

Cancelled Flights:- 32

Cancelled Hainan Airlines Flights

• Impact on Tourism: The cancellation of these routes has a smaller direct impact on international tourism, but it still poses challenges for travellers heading to key tourist destinations in China. These disruptions are expected to affect the flow of tourists between Shanghai, Urumqi, and Guangzhou, three important gateways into China’s rich historical and cultural landscape.

Conclusion: The Broader Impact on Global Tourism

As SkyWest Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Azul Brazilian Airlines, and Hainan Airlines battle through disruptions, tourists are experiencing a wave of challenges, especially when connecting through key hubs like Hartsfield-Jackson (ATL), Minneapolis (MSP), and Viracopos (VCP). The ripple effect of these cancellations will likely be felt across the tourism industry, impacting both business and leisure travel.

The primary cause behind the disruptions — air-traffic control cuts, technical failures, crew shortages, and operational strain — exposes vulnerabilities in an increasingly strained air travel ecosystem. For passengers planning travel, flexibility is paramount. With the tourism sector heavily dependent on smooth air connectivity, both airlines and airport authorities must take swift action to resolve the backlog and reassure travellers about the reliability of air travel in the coming months.

Source:- FlightAware and Diffrent Airports