Thousands of Travelers Affected as Alaska, United, Delta, SkyWest, American and Other Airlines Face 78 Cancellations and 4,732 Delays Across the US, Impacting Airports in New York, Chicago, Denver, Miami and More

Published on December 12, 2025

Travel chaos continues across the United States as Alaska Airlines, United Airlines, Delta Air Lines, SkyWest, American Airlines, and other major carriers face widespread disruptions. Today, a total of 78 cancellations and 4,732 delays have been reported, affecting airports in New York, Chicago, Denver, Miami, and several other key locations. Weather conditions, including wind and snow, as well as operational challenges, are primarily responsible for these disruptions. Passengers are facing long delays at major airports, with many flights grounded or rerouted. Airlines are working to manage the situation, but the scale of the delays is causing frustration among travelers.

It’s crucial for affected passengers to stay informed, check flight statuses, and prepare for possible rebooking or compensation. With disruptions ongoing, flexibility will be key to navigating this challenging travel period.

Airports and Airlines Affected by Major Delays and Cancellations

Several major airports have reported significant delays and cancellations today. Here’s a closer look at some of the hardest-hit locations:

Airports Impacted by Weather and Operational Challenges

• Burlington International (BTV), Buffalo Niagara (BUF), Akron-Canton (CAK), and Cleveland Hopkins (CLE) have all initiated deicing operations, which began late in the evening. While deicing is necessary for safety, it often leads to extended delays on the tarmac.
• Denver International (DEN) is facing ground delays, with an average delay of 68 minutes due to high winds. This has affected flights arriving and departing from the airport.
• Newark Liberty (EWR) has implemented a ground stop due to airspace congestion, causing significant delays for departing flights.
• John F. Kennedy (JFK) and LaGuardia (LGA) have reported delays due to high winds, with average delays of 114 minutes at JFK and 82 minutes at LGA, impacting travelers throughout the day.
• Teterboro (TEB) and Tampa International (TPA) are also experiencing delays, with TEB facing lengthy delays of 216 minutes due to airport volume and TPA dealing with 72-minute delays due to runway construction.
• Montreal-Pierre Elliott Trudeau (YUL) is seeing 88-minute delays due to snow or ice.

These delays are the result of a combination of factors, including weather conditions that reduce visibility, slower deicing procedures, and air traffic congestion.

Airlines Affected by Disruptions

Numerous airlines are facing operational challenges due to these weather and air traffic issues:

• Alaska Airlines, United Airlines, and Delta Air Lines are among the hardest-hit, reporting multiple cancellations and delays across various hubs.
• SkyWest (a regional carrier) and Endeavor Air (Delta Connection) are also experiencing significant delays, further contributing to the overall travel disruptions.

What Affected Passengers Can Do Now

If you’re one of the thousands of travelers affected by these disruptions, it’s crucial to stay informed and take proactive steps to minimize the impact of the delays on your journey. Here are some important tips:

Stay Updated

Regularly check your flight status through your airline’s website or mobile app. Most airlines provide real-time updates, so staying informed will help you better plan your next steps.

Rebooking and Compensation

If your flight is cancelled, contact your airline’s customer service immediately to discuss rebooking options. Many airlines offer flexibility in rebooking for affected passengers, and some may provide compensation, meal vouchers, or hotel accommodations in the case of significant delays.

Plan for Extended Wait Times

Given the widespread nature of these delays, it’s important to be prepared for extended wait times. Bring snacks, entertainment, and any essential items in case you are stuck at the airport for several hours. Also, consider charging your devices in advance as power outlets may be limited during busy periods.

Know Your Rights

Familiarize yourself with your airline’s policies regarding delays and cancellations. Under certain circumstances, you may be entitled to compensation for long delays or cancelled flights.

Navigating Travel Disruptions in the US

With 4,732 delays and 78 cancellations across the United States, passengers are facing a challenging day of air travel. Major airports like New York, Chicago, and Denver have been particularly affected, with weather conditions such as wind, snow, and ice contributing to the widespread disruptions. Airlines, including Alaska Airlines, United, and Delta, are working to manage the situation, but travelers should expect delays and possible cancellations for the remainder of the day. Staying informed, proactive, and flexible will be key to managing the impact of these ongoing disruptions.

Source: FlightAware and Affected Airports