Thousands of Travelers Grounded at Fort Lauderdale International as JetBlue, Spirit, Delta, American Airlines, and Others Cancel 71 Flights and Cause 379 Delays, Disrupting Major U.S. Airports Including New York, Philadelphia, and Orlando

Published on December 27, 2025

Fort Lauderdale International Airport (FLL), a major gateway in South Florida, is grappling with an unprecedented wave of travel disruptions as severe weather conditions continue to wreak havoc on flight schedules across the U.S. On a single day, 379 flights were delayed, and 71 flights were canceled, leaving passengers stranded and creating a ripple effect across the country’s air travel network.

As the holiday travel season progresses, these delays and cancellations add to the mounting pressure on travelers and airline staff, leading to frustration and inconvenience. The affected airlines include major carriers like JetBlue, Spirit Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and American Airlines, which are among the top disruptors at the airport.

Breakdown of Cancellations and Delays by Airline

According to data sourced from Fort Lauderdale International Airport, the bulk of cancellations and delays are being felt on key domestic routes. JetBlue, the largest carrier at FLL, reported 30 cancellations and 90 delays, accounting for 12% and 38% of the total disruptions, respectively. Meanwhile, Spirit Airlines, another major player in the region, saw 12 cancellations and 79 delays, which made up 6% and 40% of the delays at the airport.

Delta Air Lines wasn’t far behind with 8 cancellations and 41 delays, making up 9% and 48% of the airport’s disruptions. Smaller carriers like Frontier Airlines and American Airlines also experienced significant delays, with 5 cancellations each and notable delays as well, creating a challenging situation for travelers.

Even international airlines such as WestJet, Air Canada Rouge, and Porter Airlines saw their share of disruptions, further complicating the already chaotic airport scene.

Airport Origins and Key Affected Routes

The airport has been a major hub of activity today, with Fort Lauderdale itself seeing the highest number of cancellations and delays. 42 cancellations (6%) and 178 delays (27%) originated from Fort Lauderdale International, which led to major traffic disruptions.

Among the other airports contributing to the disruptions were Newark Liberty International (EWR), John F. Kennedy International (JFK), and LaGuardia (LGA). In particular, flights from Newark Liberty and JFK saw a combined total of 6 cancellations and 33 delays, further compounding the issues at Fort Lauderdale. These delays reverberated across major U.S. cities, affecting passengers on the East Coast and beyond. For instance, delays from Philadelphia International (PHL), Raleigh-Durham International (RDU), and Worcester Regional (ORH) only added to the growing list of disruptions.

Some international airports, including Worcester Regional and Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport, also contributed to cancellations at Fort Lauderdale, further proving the far-reaching impact of this chaotic day.

The Impact on Passengers and What You Can Do

The ripple effects of these disruptions are being felt nationwide, especially for travelers bound for popular destinations like New York, Orlando, and Philadelphia. Passengers who were fortunate enough to not have their flights canceled found themselves facing long delays. Many are stuck in airports for hours, some even missing connecting flights as they wait for their rescheduled departures.

For affected travelers, the situation can be stressful, especially during the busy holiday season. The best course of action is to immediately check with airlines for real-time updates on flight statuses. Most airlines offer travel waivers during major disruptions, and customers can rebook flights or request refunds where applicable.

Travelers are also urged to check for accommodations and other options in the event that their delays extend overnight. Additionally, passengers should be aware that the airline industry is experiencing a massive surge in bookings, and rebooking options may be limited.

Airlines Are Taking Action

Airlines such as JetBlue and Spirit Airlines have been proactive in handling the situation by providing regular updates on their websites and through customer service channels. They have also increased their capacity at FLL, aiming to clear the backlog of flights caused by this weather-related surge in delays.

For Spirit Airlines, which has been the most affected, the company issued a statement acknowledging the operational disruptions and assured customers that efforts are being made to minimize the delays as much as possible. JetBlue too emphasized the company’s commitment to restoring normal operations but acknowledged the significant strain placed on passengers and staff alike.

Airline officials are working closely with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and Fort Lauderdale International Airport authorities to streamline the operations and get flights back on schedule. Travelers are advised to stay informed and flexible as the situation evolves, with airport teams on the ground assisting passengers with updates and rebooking options.

What’s Behind These Disruptions?

The root cause of these widespread delays and cancellations can be attributed to a combination of winter weather disruptions, staff shortages, and increased travel demand. Winter storms, including heavy rains and winds, have impacted the East Coast, causing delays at major airports, including Fort Lauderdale, Miami, and Orlando.

Additionally, airlines are facing staffing shortages due to various reasons, including COVID-19 recovery and workforce constraints, which have exacerbated the delays. The staffing issue is a known challenge in the aviation industry, and while airlines are hiring new staff, the demand for air travel has far outpaced the rate at which the industry can respond.

The Bigger Picture: U.S. Aviation Industry in Crisis

The problems faced by Fort Lauderdale International Airport are just a microcosm of the wider challenges affecting the U.S. aviation industry. Nationwide, airports and airlines are struggling to manage the surging demand for travel, exacerbated by ongoing staffing issues, unpredictable weather, and outdated infrastructure.

As airlines continue to recover from the pandemic’s effects, they must also cope with the strain of a record number of passengers eager to travel once again. These challenges are expected to persist, and while airlines are working to resolve staffing shortages and improve operations, travelers may continue to face disruptions for the foreseeable future.

Looking Ahead: How Fort Lauderdale International Plans to Recover

Fort Lauderdale International Airport, together with local airlines, is striving to restore smooth operations as soon as possible. In the meantime, passengers are encouraged to keep their phones charged, monitor the status of their flights, and be prepared for any changes.

The airport has assured the public that it is doing everything in its power to return to normal operations, but travelers should be prepared for potential delays and cancellations. As the situation continues to unfold, authorities are working closely with airline partners to ensure a swift recovery.

Conclusion: A Day of Disruptions at Fort Lauderdale International Airport

The day’s chaos at Fort Lauderdale International serves as a reminder of how vulnerable the travel industry is to external factors such as weather conditions, staffing shortages, and surges in demand. While passengers face a challenging period of delays and cancellations, the resilience of the aviation sector and the cooperative efforts of airport and airline staff provide hope for a faster recovery.

As travelers continue to plan their journeys through Fort Lauderdale, the focus remains on maintaining transparency and ensuring passenger safety amidst ongoing disruptions.