Thousands of Passengers Suffer Across US as Alaska, American, Delta, SkyWest and Other Airlines Face 95 Cancellations and 3,332 Delays in New York, Phoenix, Seattle, Minneapolis, San Diego and More

Published on December 13, 2025

Thousands of passengers are facing severe disruptions across the US today as Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Delta, SkyWest, and several other carriers experience a staggering 95 cancellations and 3,332 delays. These disruptions are affecting major airports in cities like New York, Phoenix, Seattle, Minneapolis, San Diego, and more. Travelers flying through these hubs are feeling the brunt of the delays, which are caused by factors such as airport volume, deicing, and weather-related issues. As flights are delayed or canceled, passengers are left scrambling for alternatives and facing long waits at terminals.

The ongoing disruptions are causing significant inconvenience for both domestic and international travelers, including those flying to and from destinations in Canada, Mexico, and Europe. With no immediate resolution in sight, passengers are advised to stay informed and prepare for extended delays.

Total Travel Disruptions in the U.S.

Today, the total number of delays and cancellations within, into, or out of the United States has reached alarming numbers. Across various U.S. airports, there have been 3,058 delays and 98 cancellations reported. This highlights the widespread nature of the disruption, affecting several airports and airlines, and travelers are urged to stay informed for updates.

Airports Affected by Delays and Cancellations

Several major airports are facing disruptions due to a variety of factors. Here’s a detailed analysis of the airports and their current issues:

Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR)

Newark, one of the busiest airports in the U.S., is experiencing significant delays due to airport volume. The average delay here is reported to be around 35 minutes. As a major hub, these delays are likely affecting passengers traveling to and from key destinations on the East Coast and beyond.

Minneapolis/St. Paul International Airport (MSP)

At MSP, deicing operations have caused substantial delays. Winter weather is forcing airlines to de-ice their planes, leading to longer turnaround times and subsequent delays. This is especially common during the winter months, and passengers can expect continued delays until the weather improves.

Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX)

Phoenix, known for its consistently sunny weather, is experiencing departure delays due to terminal initiatives. These delays, which are averaging 15 minutes and increasing, suggest operational issues related to capacity management or gate assignments.

San Diego International Airport (SAN)

San Diego is also struggling with ground delays due to airport volume, with an average delay of 27 minutes. As a popular destination for both leisure and business travelers, these delays are likely to cause ripple effects, especially for passengers heading to vacation spots or connecting through this West Coast hub.

Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA)

Seattle is facing departure delays due to compacted demand, with delays reaching an average of 30 minutes. This is likely a result of high passenger traffic, and as the holiday season approaches, travelers can expect these conditions to persist.

Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC)

SLC is experiencing delays related to deicing, which is a common issue during winter. These delays are likely to continue as the airport prepares for winter storms that require aircraft to be treated for safe departures.

Teterboro Airport (TEB)

Teterboro, an important airport for private and business aviation, is facing departure delays due to wind. The average delay here is 30 minutes, and it is gradually decreasing as the wind conditions improve.

Airlines Affected by Disruptions

Several U.S. airlines are facing disruptions as well, contributing significantly to the delays and cancellations across the country:

• Alaska Airlines: 15 cancellations and 109 delays
• American Airlines: 1 cancellation and 281 delays
• Delta Air Lines: 14 cancellations and 257 delays
• Endeavor Air (DAL): 1 cancellation and 107 delays
• Frontier: 11 cancellations and 41 delays
• Horizon (ASA): 3 cancellations and 23 delays
• PSA Airlines (AAL): 1 cancellation and 140 delays
• Republic: 1 cancellation and 131 delays
• SkyWest: 12 cancellations and 271 delays
• Southwest: 2 cancellations and 393 delays
• United: 5 cancellations and 186 delays

These airlines, which operate flights at major U.S. airports, are facing the brunt of the delays and cancellations. Passengers flying with these carriers should expect longer wait times at the airport, and should monitor their flight status closely for updates.

What Affected Passengers Can Do Now

For passengers traveling through these disrupted airports and airlines, here are some steps to minimize the impact of delays and cancellations:

• Stay Informed: Constantly check your flight status via airline apps, airport websites, or customer service representatives to stay updated on your flight’s status.
• Expect Delays: Due to ongoing disruptions, passengers should plan for longer wait times. Arriving early at the airport will give you ample time to deal with delays.
• Prepare for Ground Delays: If you’re traveling from a busy airport like EWR or SAN, expect ground delays. Bring snacks, entertainment, and ensure your phone is fully charged to keep you occupied while waiting.
• Check for Alternative Flights: If your flight is cancelled, check with your airline about rebooking options or alternative routes. Some airlines may offer free rebooking on the next available flight.
• Deicing Delays: If you’re flying through MSP or SLC, where deicing is affecting operations, expect delays. Bundle up, as the cold temperatures may cause further delays at the gate.
• Wind Delays: At TEB, delays are due to wind conditions. If your flight is impacted, stay updated with weather conditions and your flight status.

Conclusion

The travel disruptions affecting U.S. airports and airlines today highlight the complexities of managing high passenger volumes, weather challenges, and operational issues. With over 3,000 delays and nearly 100 cancellations reported, passengers are urged to stay informed and be prepared for longer wait times. By staying in touch with airlines and planning accordingly, travelers can reduce the impact of these disruptions on their journeys.

Let’s hope that these delays and cancellations subside soon, and that smooth travel conditions return in time for the upcoming holiday season.

Source: FlightAware and Affected Airports