Thousands of Travelers Isolated in US as Southwest, Delta, United, Alaska, JetBlue and More Airlines Report 101 Cancellations and 3,045 Delays at Los Angeles, New York, Chicago, Orlando, Miami and Others

Published on February 28, 2026

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Thousands of travelers across the United States are left stranded as Southwest, Delta, United, Alaska, JetBlue, and several other airlines report a staggering 101 cancellations and 3,045 delays at major airports. The hardest-hit cities include New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Orlando, Miami, and others, where thunderstorms and low visibility have caused widespread disruptions. This massive wave of flight delays and cancellations has left passengers isolated in airports, facing long waits and uncertainty. With airlines grappling to manage the chaotic situation, travelers are being urged to stay updated on flight statuses. The severe weather continues to affect air traffic, further complicating the already strained air travel network.

As conditions persist, travelers in these impacted cities must remain patient and flexible, awaiting updates from their respective airlines. Weather and flight disruptions are expected to continue into the day.

Ground Stops and Delays Impacting Major U.S. Airports

Airports Affected by Ground Stops

Several key airports across the U.S. have experienced ground stops due to thunderstorms. These include:

• DCA (Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport): Ground stop implemented due to low visibility, causing delays for many departing flights.
• MCO (Orlando International Airport): Ground stop in place due to thunderstorms, halting air traffic temporarily.
• MKY (Mackay Airport): Also dealing with thunderstorms, resulting in a ground stop affecting several flights.

Departure Delays Across Multiple Airports

Flight delays have been a significant issue at various U.S. airports, with the following airports reporting substantial departure delays:

• RSW (Southwest Florida International Airport): Departure delays of 15 minutes, continuing to increase due to compacted demand.
• TPA (Tampa International Airport): 90-minute delays reported as thunderstorms persist, further complicating air travel.
• VNY (Van Nuys Airport): Departures delayed by an average of 45 minutes, attributed to compacted demand.

These delays have caused a ripple effect, straining operations at major hubs such as John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), and Chicago O’Hare (ORD), as flights either divert or await clearance to depart.

Airlines Affected by Weather Disruptions

Multiple U.S.-based airlines have been impacted by the weather-related disruptions. The major carriers and their respective delays and cancellations include:

• Alaska Airlines: 10 cancellations and 46 delays.
• United Airlines: 9 cancellations and 197 delays.
• Delta Air Lines: 7 cancellations and 190 delays.
• Hawaiian Airlines: 8 cancellations and 18 delays.
• JetBlue: 4 cancellations and 159 delays.
• Southwest Airlines: 2 cancellations and 510 delays, marking one of the most affected airlines.
• Spirit Airlines: 2 cancellations and 63 delays.
• SkyWest: 2 cancellations and 181 delays.
• Republic Airways: 6 cancellations and 153 delays.

Other regional airlines such as Endeavor Air (DAL) and Mesa Air (UAL) have reported fewer cancellations but still face disruptions that affect travelers’ schedules.

Airports and Cities Most Affected by Flight Disruptions

Several U.S. airports and cities have emerged as major hotspots for flight cancellations and delays today. These include some of the busiest airports in the country, where disruptions are more pronounced:

• Chicago O’Hare International (ORD), a hub for United Airlines, recorded 326 delays today, with 4 cancellations. As one of the busiest airports in the world, these numbers highlight how delays here can have a ripple effect throughout the network.
• Los Angeles International (LAX) also reported 74 delays and 1 cancellation, making it a key point of disruption for travelers on both domestic and international flights.
• Boston Logan International (BOS) faced 160 delays and 10 cancellations, affecting not just passengers traveling to or from Boston but also those connecting through this busy East Coast hub.
• John F. Kennedy International (JFK) experienced 121 delays and 4 cancellations, further adding to the congestion at one of New York City’s busiest airports.

Analysis of Affected Cities and Airlines

The current weather-related disruptions are spread across multiple U.S. cities and airlines, causing extensive delays and cancellations in key travel hubs. The Northeast (particularly Washington D.C.), Southeast (including Florida and Orlando), and Southwest regions are some of the hardest-hit areas. Notably, Southwest Airlines is facing one of the largest delays, with 510 delays across various routes, highlighting a particularly challenging day for this major U.S. carrier. On the other hand, United Airlines and Delta Air Lines are also facing significant operational slowdowns with over 190 and 197 delays, respectively.

What Affected Passengers Can Do Now

For passengers impacted by these delays and cancellations, here are a few steps to take:

• Stay Updated: Keep checking the status of your flight using airline websites or apps. Delays and cancellations may continue to evolve throughout the day, and staying informed will help you adjust your plans accordingly.
• Rebook Flights: If your flight is cancelled, contact the airline immediately to explore rebooking options. Many airlines are waiving change fees due to the current weather disruptions.
• Monitor Weather: Since thunderstorms and low visibility are expected to persist, be prepared for further delays. Check weather updates in your departure and arrival cities to better understand the situation.
• Prepare for Long Waits: If you’re stuck at the airport, ensure you have essential items like snacks, water, and entertainment to pass the time. Many airports have lounges that might offer some relief from the crowded terminals.

Conclusion

With 3,045 total delays and 101 cancellations today, U.S. travelers are facing a challenging day of flight disruptions. Severe weather conditions such as thunderstorms and low visibility have led to ground stops and departure delays across major airports. Affected passengers should stay updated with real-time flight status, consider rebooking options, and be prepared for further delays. As weather conditions improve, it’s hoped that operations will return to normal, but travelers should expect some lingering disruptions throughout the day.

Source: Flightaware