Thousands of Travelers Affected across US as Southwest, American, Delta, SkyWest and Other Airlines Face 664 Cancellations and 7,460 Delays, amid Winter Storms in Chicago, New York, Atlanta, Dallas, Philadelphia and More

Published on December 1, 2025

Thousands of travelers across the U.S. are facing significant disruptions as a powerful winter storm sweeps through the country. Southwest, American Airlines, Delta, SkyWest, and several other major airlines are struggling to manage 664 cancellations and 7,460 delays. This chaos is affecting flights within, into, and out of the United States, causing serious delays and frustrations for passengers. The storm has particularly impacted major airports in cities like Chicago, New York, Atlanta, Dallas, and Philadelphia, where snow, rain, and icy conditions have made both air and ground travel difficult. As winter storms continue to affect these key hubs, travelers are experiencing long waits, cancellations, and rerouted flights.

This ongoing disruption is a stark reminder of how weather events can significantly impact travel plans during the busiest times of the year. Passengers are urged to stay updated on their flight statuses and remain flexible with their schedules.

The Impact of the Winter Storm

Significant Snowfall and Dangerous Conditions

The storm dumped over a foot of snow in parts of the Midwest, with areas in Iowa and Illinois experiencing the worst conditions. Des Moines, Iowa, saw 10.9 inches of snow, making it the highest two-day snowfall since January 2024. Meanwhile, Chicago recorded 8.4 inches of snow, setting a new record for the snowiest November day in the city. This led to treacherous driving conditions across the region, resulting in nearly 500 auto crashes in the Chicago area alone, some involving injuries.

State police in Indiana reported a 45-car pile-up on Interstate 78 on Saturday, underscoring the hazardous conditions. Fortunately, no serious injuries were reported, but this was a stark reminder of the dangers posed by winter storms.

Flight Disruptions Across the U.S.

The winter storm severely impacted air travel, especially during one of the busiest travel weekends of the year. According to FlightAware.com, a total of 7,460 delays and 664 cancellations were recorded for flights within, into, or out of the United States today. This significant number of disruptions underscores the scale of the storm’s impact on air travel.

One of the hardest-hit airports was Chicago O’Hare International Airport, which saw over 25% of the delays affecting travel. The airport recorded the snowiest November day on record, with 8.4 inches of snow falling. Other major hubs such as New York, Atlanta, and Philadelphia also faced delays as snow and rain swept through the east coast, creating additional travel chaos.

At Des Moines International Airport, a Delta Air Lines plane skidded off the runway during landing, although no injuries were reported. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is investigating the incident, which highlights the additional risks posed to air travel during such adverse weather conditions.

Travel Disruptions in Key Cities and Airports

The storm affected numerous airports and cities, leading to widespread disruptions. Chicago O’Hare, already dealing with record snowfall, became a major bottleneck for travelers. As the snow accumulated and conditions worsened, nearly 500 accidents were reported across Illinois, further delaying travelers trying to reach the airport.

Other cities along the East Coast, including Cleveland, Buffalo, Philadelphia, and Washington D.C., experienced cold rain and wet conditions, which also led to travel delays. Atlanta and Charlotte were not spared, with possible impacts expected throughout the day as the storm continued its path eastward.

What Affected Passengers Can Do

Passengers affected by these disruptions should be proactive and patient, as the storm is expected to cause residual delays and cancellations throughout the weekend. Here are some steps to take:

• Stay Updated: Regularly check your airline’s website or mobile app for flight status updates. Many airlines provide real-time notifications about cancellations and delays.
• Contact Your Airline: If your flight is cancelled or delayed, get in touch with your airline as soon as possible to explore rebooking options. Consider using the airline’s mobile app for quicker service.
• Be Prepared for Long Waits: Given the widespread nature of the storm’s impact, expect longer wait times at both airports and on the phone with customer service representatives. Be patient and try to stay flexible with your travel plans.
• Know Your Rights: If your flight is significantly delayed or cancelled, airlines are typically required to offer compensation, including meals or hotel accommodations, depending on the circumstances. Familiarize yourself with the Department of Transportation’s rules on flight delays and cancellations.

Conclusion

The winter storm that struck the U.S. Midwest over the Thanksgiving weekend caused severe disruptions to both air and ground travel, affecting millions of passengers. With a total of 7,460 delays and 664 cancellations today alone, travelers are facing widespread disruptions. The storm’s impact was felt particularly hard in major airports such as Chicago O’Hare, New York, and Atlanta, and ground transportation was severely delayed due to hazardous driving conditions.

Passengers should stay informed, remain flexible, and be patient as they navigate the continuing disruptions caused by this powerful winter storm.

Source: FlightAware and Affected Airports