Thousands of Travelers Stranded across US as Southwest, Air Canada, American, PSA and More Airlines Face 244 Cancellations and 3,572 Delays in Dallas, Akron, Chicago, Tucson, New York, Austin and More

Published on November 25, 2025

Thousands of travelers are stranded across the US as Southwest, Air Canada, American, PSA, and other airlines face significant travel disruptions today. With 244 cancellations and a staggering 3,572 delays, airports in cities like Dallas, Chicago, New York, Akron, Tucson, Austin, and many more are overwhelmed. The severe weather conditions, including thunderstorms and snow, have caused massive delays and cancellations, stranding passengers and leaving them frustrated. Airlines such as Southwest, Air Canada, and American are struggling to manage the high volume of affected flights, especially at major hubs like Dallas and Chicago.

As weather conditions persist, travelers in smaller cities like Akron and Tucson are feeling the ripple effects. While some delays are improving, many passengers are still waiting for rebookings or for their flights to resume. The situation remains chaotic, and travelers should stay updated on flight statuses.

Nationwide Travel Disruptions: Delays and Cancellations Soar

Today, travelers within, into, or out of the United States are facing significant disruptions. Across the country, 3,572 delays and 244 cancellations have been reported due to a combination of weather-related issues, operational challenges, and high flight volumes.

Key Disruptions at Major Airports

Dallas-Fort Worth International (DFW)

Dallas-Fort Worth International is one of the hardest-hit airports in recent days. A total of 107 cancellations and 851 delays have been reported, primarily due to operational issues related to deicing and bad weather conditions. Passengers flying from DFW can expect long waits as the airport works to clear ice and snow from runways.

Chicago O’Hare International (ORD)

Chicago O’Hare is no stranger to weather-related disruptions, and this week has been no exception. With 6 cancellations and 109 delays, the airport has seen substantial flight disruptions, particularly during peak hours. The cold temperatures and occasional snowfalls have contributed to these delays, forcing many passengers to rethink their travel plans.

Miami International (MIA)

Despite being located in a warmer region, Miami International has not been immune to disruptions, with 2 cancellations and 107 delays reported. These delays are mostly due to thunderstorms affecting the southeastern US. Passengers should brace for longer-than-usual waiting times while the airport handles weather-related challenges.

Airports with Deicing Operations

At several airports, deicing procedures have been put in place to ensure safety, causing additional delays. The most affected airports include:

• CAK (Akron-Canton Airport), CLE (Cleveland Hopkins), and DTW (Detroit Metropolitan Airport), where deicing operations started as early as 24/5:56 PM GMT+5:30 and 24/4:40 PM GMT+5:30 respectively. These airports have experienced a significant reduction in aircraft departures due to the need for ice and snow removal from planes and runways.
• SLC (Salt Lake City International Airport) also reported deicing starting at 24/7:10 PM GMT+5:30, impacting both arriving and departing flights. Passengers can expect extended delays as the airport works through these challenging conditions.

Departure Delays and Ground Delays

• IAH (George Bush Intercontinental Airport) in Houston has reported a departure delay that has averaged 75 minutes (and increasing) due to thunderstorms impacting the area. Passengers here should be prepared for further delays as severe weather continues to cause havoc.
• SAN (San Diego International Airport) is experiencing departure delays with an average of 30 minutes (and decreasing), caused by compacted demand, which suggests that the airport is struggling to manage flight schedules as many planes are grounded due to weather and other logistical reasons.
• YYC (Calgary International Airport) has faced ground delays from 24/11:00 PM GMT+5:30 to 25/6:29 AM GMT+5:30, with an average delay of 53 minutes due to snow or ice.

Airline Disruptions: Which Airlines Are Affected?

Several US airlines are currently experiencing significant disruptions due to weather and operational challenges. Here’s a brief breakdown of the situation:

• Southwest Airlines (WN): 77 cancellations, 668 delays. Disruptions mainly caused by weather and operational issues.
• American Airlines (AAL): 41 cancellations, 746 delays. Delays due to deicing and heavy flight volume, especially at hubs like Dallas-Fort Worth and Chicago O’Hare.
• PSA Airlines (AA): 34 cancellations, 122 delays. Affected by weather and deicing procedures.
• United Airlines (UA): 12 cancellations, 270 delays. Weather-related disruptions at major airports like Chicago O’Hare and Denver International.
• Delta Air Lines (DL): 4 cancellations, 204 delays. Delays mainly due to thunderstorms and ice, particularly at Salt Lake City and Detroit.
• SkyWest Airlines (OO): 14 cancellations, 218 delays. Delays linked to its parent airlines (American, United, Delta).
• Alaska Airlines (AS): 2 cancellations, 82 delays. Thunderstorms on the west coast causing delays.
• Frontier Airlines (F9): 1 cancellation, 87 delays. Inclement weather affecting flight operations.
• Hawaiian Airlines (HA): 1 cancellation, 7 delays. Relatively small disruptions but impacting Hawaii-bound passengers.
• Breeze Airways (MX): 1 cancellation, 10 delays. Minimal disruption but potential delays to consider.

Passengers should check flight statuses regularly and prepare for potential delays and cancellations.

What Are the Affected Passengers Facing?

Travelers affected by these disruptions can expect to encounter extended wait times, flight cancellations, and sudden schedule changes. For those traveling to or from US airports like Dallas-Fort Worth, Miami, Chicago, and Phoenix, it’s essential to check for updates regularly and keep an eye on any notifications from airlines regarding flight statuses.

What Should Passengers Do?

1. Stay Informed: Keep your airline’s customer service contact information handy, and check the airport’s website for real-time updates on flight statuses. Many airlines are offering updates through mobile apps, which can also help expedite rebooking.
2. Rebook if Necessary: Passengers facing significant delays or cancellations should consider rebooking their flights. While most airlines allow free rebooking due to weather-related disruptions, it’s wise to confirm specific policies with your airline.
3. Expect Longer Waits: With the ongoing weather issues, particularly in regions affected by thunderstorms and snow, it’s important to plan for delays. Be patient, as deicing operations and other safety measures will take time.
4. Alternative Airports: If possible, look for alternate airports to reach your destination. For instance, travelers from Miami International Airport may consider departing from nearby Fort Lauderdale if there are too many delays at MIA.
5. Prepare for Longer Delays: At airports like Houston’s IAH and San Diego’s SAN, weather and operational delays are ongoing, so pack snacks, water, and entertainment to help pass the time. Always be prepared for unexpected waiting periods.

Nationwide Travel Disruptions Continue

Today, travelers within, into, or out of the US are experiencing widespread disruptions, with 3,572 delays and 244 cancellations reported across the country. These issues are primarily caused by a mix of adverse weather conditions, operational challenges, and high flight volumes, leading to significant delays and cancellations at major airports nationwide. Passengers are advised to stay informed and expect ongoing disruptions throughout the day.

Travelers departing from cities like San Diego and Cleveland should be prepared for some of the longest waits as weather continues to cause operational delays. For those in cities like Salt Lake City and Akron, deicing is contributing to flight delays, so additional time should be factored into travel plans.

Source: FlightAware and Affected Airports, FAA