Thousands of Travelers Grounded in US as Envoy, Frontier, JetBlue, United, Republic, and Other Airlines Cancel 524 Flights and Cause 2913 Delays Across Canton, Salina, Moline, Cheektowaga, San Diego, and More

Published on November 30, 2025

Thousands of travelers have been grounded across the U.S. today as a combination of severe weather, staffing shortages, and air traffic control delays has led to 524 flight cancellations and 2913 delays. Airlines like Envoy, Frontier, JetBlue, and United are at the forefront of this disruption, affecting major hubs such as Chicago O’Hare, John F. Kennedy International, and Los Angeles International, along with smaller airports like Canton, Salina, and Moline. These operational hurdles have caused chaos for thousands of passengers, amplifying the challenges faced by the airline industry as it struggles to recover from ongoing operational pressures.

US airports and airlines are facing widespread chaos today, with more than 2,000 flight delays and nearly 500 cancellations wreaking havoc on travel plans across the country. From major hubs like Chicago O’Hare and John F. Kennedy International to smaller regional airports such as Salina, Moline, and Cheektowaga, thousands of travelers are stranded or delayed. The ripple effects of this mass disruption are being felt in every corner of the nation, as JetBlue, SkyWest, United Airlines, and other major carriers grapple with operational setbacks. With holiday travel just around the corner, these widespread delays and cancellations are a stark reminder of how quickly air travel can be upended, affecting not just the passengers on those flights but also the broader network of airlines and airports.

Major Airlines Facing Widespread Disruptions

Several U.S. airlines have been at the center of today’s travel chaos. Among them, JetBlue, SkyWest, and United Airlines are seeing the most cancellations. Other airlines, including American Airlines, Envoy Air, Southwest, and Frontier, are also contributing to the storm of flight disruptions.

JetBlue alone has canceled 143 flights, accounting for 13% of its schedule, and delayed 124 flights, which represents 12% of its operations. Meanwhile, SkyWest Airlines, one of the country’s largest regional carriers, has reported 86 cancellations and 208 delays. The turbulence has also been felt by major U.S. carriers like United Airlines with 55 cancellations and 179 delays, and American Airlines, which experienced 39 cancellations and 251 delays.

While this widespread disruption has affected travelers from coast to coast, the ripple effects are also being felt deeply at specific airports such as Chicago O’Hare International (ORD), John F. Kennedy International (JFK), and Los Angeles International (LAX), all of which have seen significant cancellations and delays.

Impact on US Airports

As flights are grounded and rerouted, several airports in the U.S. are feeling the effects of these disruptions. Airports such as Chicago O’Hare, John F. Kennedy, and Boston Logan are experiencing significant delays, while smaller regional airports like Des Moines International (DSM) and Fort Wayne International (FWA) have reported cancellations at a higher percentage of their flights.

At Chicago O’Hare, for instance, 83 flights were canceled (5%) and 129 delayed (8%). John F. Kennedy has seen 31 cancellations (4%) and 44 delays (6%), while Boston Logan experienced 20 cancellations (3%) and 26 delays (4%). The delays have caused a ripple effect that is now being felt across the United States, with other airports seeing similar numbers of affected flights.

Here is a breakdown of airport disruptions:

Additional Airports Affected

In addition to the major airports mentioned above, several smaller airports have also been significantly affected by cancellations and delays. These include airports in Moline, Salina, Cheektowaga, and San Diego, all of which are reporting significant disruptions. For example, Des Moines International (DSM), a smaller regional airport, experienced 20 cancellations, which accounted for a striking 25% of its daily flights. Similarly, Fort Wayne International (FWA) saw 7 cancellations, which made up 21% of its scheduled departures.

Airlines Reporting Major Cancellations and Delays

The disruptions at airports are tied directly to airline operational issues, which have led to widespread flight cancellations and delays. Below is a list of major airlines and their reported cancellations and delays.

The airlines most impacted by cancellations include JetBlue, with 143 canceled flights and 124 delayed flights. The SkyWest regional airline is also facing major challenges with 86 cancellations and 208 delays. Other major airlines like United and American Airlines are dealing with smaller but still significant numbers of cancellations.

Reasons Behind the Widespread Flight Disruptions in the US

The massive wave of cancellations and delays today can be attributed to a combination of factors that have created a perfect storm for the airline industry. Here are three key reasons behind the widespread disruption:

1. Severe Weather Conditions
   One of the primary contributors to today’s flight chaos is unpredictable and severe weather. From thunderstorms in the Midwest to snowstorms in certain northern regions, adverse weather conditions have led to a ripple effect of delays and cancellations. Weather-related disruptions are common in air travel, but their timing, often during peak hours, can cause significant ripple effects throughout the day.
2. Airline Staffing Shortages
   Staffing issues have been a persistent challenge for airlines since the pandemic, and today’s disruptions are no exception. Many airlines are still struggling with employee shortages in key operational areas, such as pilots, crew members, and ground staff. The ripple effect of these staffing gaps is compounded during periods of high volume, leading to delayed flights, increased wait times, and flight cancellations.
3. Air Traffic Control Delays and Operational Backlogs
   Air traffic control and operational backlogs are another contributing factor. With thousands of flights crisscrossing the country daily, congestion at major airports, especially during peak hours, can cause significant delays. The increased strain on air traffic controllers, combined with already tight schedules, leads to delayed takeoffs and landings. This issue is further exacerbated when multiple cancellations stack up, as they cause a backlog of delayed flights that airlines must work through to get operations back on track.

These combined factors have resulted in one of the most disruptive travel days in recent memory, affecting airlines and airports nationwide. With holiday travel on the horizon, these issues could continue to create challenges for passengers and the airline industry alike.

Looking Ahead

As the day progresses, the total number of cancellations and delays is expected to rise. It’s important for travelers to keep a close eye on flight statuses and check with airlines for any updates or options to rebook flights. For those whose travel plans have been significantly disrupted, it’s a good idea to stay informed about potential compensation or reimbursements that may be available.

With the holiday season approaching, this disruption is a reminder of how vital it is for both airlines and passengers to plan for the unexpected. Air traffic control issues, weather disruptions, and staffing challenges have combined today to create a perfect storm for the airline industry, highlighting the importance of communication, flexibility, and preparation.

Thousands of travelers have been grounded across the U.S. today as a combination of severe weather, staffing shortages, and air traffic control delays has led to 524 flight cancellations and 2913 delays. Airlines like Envoy, Frontier, JetBlue, and United are at the forefront of this disruption, affecting major hubs such as Chicago O’Hare, John F. Kennedy International, and Los Angeles International, along with smaller airports like Canton, Salina, and Moline. These operational hurdles have caused chaos for thousands of passengers, amplifying the challenges faced by the airline industry as it struggles to recover from ongoing operational pressures.

Today’s massive disruptions across U.S. airports and airlines have grounded thousands of travelers and left many more waiting for answers. As cancellations and delays continue to affect major airlines like JetBlue, SkyWest, United, and others, it is clear that air travel in the U.S. is currently under significant strain. With the sheer volume of cancellations and delays, passengers are being forced to navigate a web of rebookings and uncertain flight statuses. As always, staying informed and flexible will be key to navigating today’s turbulent skies.