Thousands of Passengers Suffer in U.S. as Delta, United, Spirit, American and Other Airlines Face 4,537 Delays and Over 300 Cancellations Across Detroit, Atlanta, Cleveland, St. Louis, Memphis and More

Published on December 6, 2025

Thousands of passengers are facing chaos across the U.S. as major airlines like Delta, United, Spirit, American, and others struggle with widespread disruptions. With 4,537 delays and over 300 cancellations reported, airports in cities like Detroit, Atlanta, Cleveland, St. Louis, and Memphis have become hotspots for frustrated travelers. The disruptions are primarily due to weather conditions, including snow and ice, along with airport volume and operational issues. Delta, United, Spirit, and American Airlines have been among the hardest hit, particularly with technical issues and deicing delays. Travelers are urged to stay updated on flight statuses and consider alternative travel options.

As delays persist, passengers must prepare for a potentially longer journey. While the causes of these disruptions are varied, including weather, airport congestion, and technical malfunctions, travelers are advised to check with their airlines and airport officials for the latest information and assistance.

Total Delays and Cancellations Today

Today, 4,537 flight delays and 301 cancellations have been recorded across major airports in the U.S. The data shows that several airlines are severely impacted, causing disruptions for thousands of travelers. For instance, Delta Air Lines and Air France have been heavily affected, alongside numerous regional airlines like PSA Airlines, Endeavor Air, and Republic.

Key Airlines Affected:

• Delta Air Lines has reported significant delays and cancellations, with its operations impacted by a computer outage at Detroit Airport, which affected the McNamara Terminal.
• PSA Airlines, a regional affiliate of American Airlines, is experiencing a high percentage of cancellations (7%).

Airports and Cities Most Affected

The disruptions have been most severe at major U.S. airports such as Detroit Metro Wayne Co (DTW), Hartsfield-Jackson Intl (ATL), and LaGuardia (LGA). These hubs have seen a significant number of delays and cancellations, stranding thousands of passengers.

• Detroit Airport was notably impacted by the computer outage at Delta’s McNamara Terminal. This problem primarily affected Delta flights and its partner airlines, resulting in widespread delays and cancellations.
• Atlanta (ATL) and LaGuardia (LGA), two of the busiest airports in the U.S., have also reported large numbers of delays, with ATL seeing 296 delays and LGA seeing 175 delays.
• Smaller regional airports like Republic, Endeavor Air, and PSA Airlines have contributed significantly to the disruptions, particularly at airports like Cleveland Hopkins (CLE), St. Louis Lambert (STL), and Memphis (MEM).

What Affected Passengers Can Do Now

Passengers affected by delays and cancellations should stay informed and take proactive steps to manage their travel disruptions. Here’s what you can do:

1. Check for Updates: Always check your airline’s app or website for real-time updates on delays, cancellations, and gate changes.
2. Rebook Flights: If your flight is canceled, immediately speak with airline staff or use online rebooking tools to find another flight. Some airlines may provide options for compensation or rebooking on later flights.
3. Know Your Rights: Understand your rights as a passenger, including compensation for cancellations and significant delays. Each airline has specific policies regarding reimbursement for meals, accommodation, and other expenses incurred due to delays.
4. Stay Connected: If traveling with family or on a tight schedule, stay in contact with the airline and fellow passengers to coordinate your next steps. Many airlines have customer service lines that can assist with last-minute adjustments.

What’s Contributing to the Disruptions?

The majority of these disruptions are caused by weather conditions like snow or ice, particularly affecting airports in the northeastern U.S. like Washington D.C. (DCA) and Boston Logan (BOS). Additionally, airport volume and technical issues have caused significant delays. For example, SBP (San Luis Obispo) and DCA (Reagan National) have faced ground delays, while Delta Air Lines experienced an operational outage at Detroit Metro.

Impact on Travelers and Industry

These disruptions have raised concerns about the reliability of air travel in major U.S. cities, especially during high-volume travel periods. As winter weather continues to impact flight schedules, passengers are advised to expect further delays, particularly in Chicago O’Hare (ORD), Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW), and Philadelphia (PHL).

Conclusion

The travel industry is facing a significant challenge, with thousands of flights delayed and canceled across major airports. Passengers need to remain flexible, stay updated, and reach out to their airlines to minimize the inconvenience caused. With 4,537 delays and 301 cancellations today, it’s crucial to be proactive and informed when navigating these disruptions. Whether it’s checking flight status, exploring rebooking options, or seeking compensation, staying in touch with airlines will be key to managing travel plans during these turbulent times.

Source: FlightAware and Affected Airports, FAA