Thousands of Travelers Suffer in U.S. as American, Delta, Spirit, Southwest and Other Airlines Cancel 105 New Flights and Delay 2,997 More across Fort Lauderdale, Dallas, Los Angeles, Miami and Beyond

Published on December 23, 2025

Thousands of travelers are facing significant travel disruptions in the U.S. today as major airlines like American, Delta, Spirit, Southwest, and others cancel 105 flights and delay 2,997 more. These delays and cancellations are affecting travelers across key cities, including Fort Lauderdale, Dallas, Los Angeles, and Miami. The chaos is primarily due to airport volume, compacted demand, and ongoing weather-related issues, such as deicing operations. American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and Southwest Airlines have been particularly impacted, along with regional carriers like Spirit Airlines. As the weather continues to cause delays, passengers are urged to stay updated on their flight status and reach out to airlines for assistance. The disruption is expected to persist, creating more frustration for travelers in major U.S. hubs and beyond.

Total Travel Disruptions in the U.S. Today

Today, the U.S. has experienced a staggering 2,997 delays and 105 cancellations across its major airports and airlines. These disruptions have been felt nationwide, causing a ripple effect for travelers across various cities and states. While the reasons behind these disruptions are varied, passengers are urged to stay informed and take necessary precautions to minimize the impact on their travel plans.

Reasons for Disruptions

• ASE (Aspen/Pitkin County Airport): Ground delays are occurring due to airport volume, with average delays of around 10 minutes.
• BTV (Burlington International Airport): Deicing operations are causing delays, affecting flight departures.
• SAN (San Diego International Airport): Departure delays have been reported, with an average delay of 30 minutes and increasing, primarily due to compacted demand.

Airlines Facing Significant Disruptions

Several major U.S. airlines are reporting significant delays and cancellations today, affecting both domestic and international flights. Southwest Airlines appears to be the hardest hit, with a substantial number of delayed flights across the network. Other major carriers such as American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and United Airlines are also facing widespread delays and cancellations. Here’s an overview of the affected airlines:

Analysis of Affected Airports and Cities

Key airports in the U.S. are feeling the brunt of these disruptions, with major hubs such as Chicago O’Hare (ORD), Los Angeles (LAX), and Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW) seeing numerous delays and cancellations. These airports serve as crucial gateways for both international and domestic flights, making the delays even more disruptive for passengers connecting to international destinations.

Cities like New York, San Francisco, Miami, and Atlanta are also experiencing significant travel disruptions due to the number of flights cancelled or delayed by major airlines. Passengers traveling to and from these cities are facing lengthy delays, which could impact their entire travel experience.

What Affected Passengers Can Do Now

If you are one of the many passengers impacted by these delays and cancellations, there are several steps you can take to manage the situation:

1. Stay Informed: Stay updated on your flight status by checking your airline’s app or website. Most airlines provide real-time updates on delays, cancellations, and gate changes.

2. Contact Your Airline: In the event of cancellations or long delays, contact your airline’s customer service. Airlines may offer compensation, such as meal vouchers, hotel accommodations, or rebooking on alternate flights.

3. Explore Alternative Routes: If possible, consider alternative airports or routes. Sometimes, nearby airports may have fewer disruptions, and airlines may offer alternate flights at no additional charge.

4. Know Your Rights: Familiarize yourself with your passenger rights in the event of cancellations or long delays. U.S. airlines are obligated to provide compensation for significant delays and cancellations under certain circumstances.

An Overview of Air Travel Today across United States

With over 2,997 delays and 105 cancellations affecting flights within, into, and out of the United States, passengers are advised to remain patient and proactive. By staying informed and reaching out to airlines, travelers can minimize the impact of these widespread disruptions. As the travel industry continues to recover and deal with unforeseen challenges, passengers can expect continued updates on the situation.

Source: FlightAware and affected airports