Travel Disarray at Chicago O Hare International Airport, Sao Paulo-Guarulhos, Jorge Newbery, Grantley Adams, Montreal Trudeau and Newark Liberty International as 23 Flights were Cancelled and 136 Flights were Delayed Between Toronto, Columbia And More

Published on December 3, 2025

Air travel, already facing increasing pressure during the holiday season, has been severely disrupted at some of the world’s busiest airports. Major international hubs, including Chicago O’Hare International Airport, São Paulo‑Guarulhos, Jorge Newbery Airport, Grantley Adams International Airport, Montreal‑Trudeau, and Newark Liberty, have all experienced significant cancellations and delays. These disruptions have left thousands of passengers stranded, forcing airlines to implement service waivers and other measures to alleviate the impact.

In this article, we explore the causes behind these disruptions, identify key affected destinations, and evaluate the broader impact on tourism and travel patterns. From weather-related incidents to operational overloads, travelers are facing uncertainty and long waits, complicating their holiday travel plans. Let’s break down the details of these airport disruptions and their ripple effects on the global travel landscape.

Chicago O’Hare International Airport – The Winter Storm Chaos

One of the most significant disruptions in recent weeks occurred at Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD), the third busiest airport in the United States. A severe winter snowstorm led to massive flight cancellations and delays, affecting thousands of travelers.

• Key Affected Destinations:
  Flights bound for key cities were particularly affected. International travelers heading to Europe and Latin America also faced delays as they transited through O’Hare.
• Impact on Tourism:
  Chicago is a crucial travel hub, and any significant disruption has global implications. The city’s tourism sector, heavily reliant on business and leisure travel, was greatly affected. Tourists hoping to visit Chicago or use the airport for connecting flights to other regions were forced to reconsider their plans, potentially disrupting hotel bookings and local tours.

Cancelled Flights:- 5

Delayed Flights:- 48

Cancelled Arrivals of Chicago O’Hare Intl Airport

São Paulo-Guarulhos International Airport – Operational Overload

At São Paulo-Guarulhos International Airport (GRU), Brazil’s busiest airport, operational delays and some cancellations have been reported, though the impact was not as severe as in other regions.

• Key Affected Destinations:
  International flights, particularly those to Europe and North America, also saw some knock-on effects.
• Impact on Tourism:
  São Paulo serves as a major business and cultural hub in Brazil, and any disruption here can have cascading effects. Delays at GRU could result in missed connections, causing travelers to lose valuable time in the city. Moreover, the impact on local businesses, including hotels and restaurants, could be substantial due to the unpredictable nature of delays.

Cancelled Flights:- 5

Delayed Flights:- 28

Cancelled Arrivals of São Paulo-Guarulhos Int’l Airport

Jorge Newbery Airport – Strained Operations Amid High Demand

Jorge Newbery Airport (AEP), Buenos Aires’ main domestic airport, faced delays and cancellations amidst high traffic during the summer travel season.

• Impact on Tourism:
  The timing of these disruptions during Argentina’s summer tourist season exacerbated the issue. Inbound tourists may have been particularly impacted as Buenos Aires is a hub for international flights to and from Latin America. The delays affected not only domestic travel but also the connections to international flights, disrupting both the tourism and business sectors.

Cancelled Flights:- 4

Delayed Flights:- 14

Cancelled Departures of Jorge Newbery Airport

Grantley Adams International Airport – Small-Scale Delays

At Grantley Adams International Airport (BGI) in Barbados, recent operational challenges led to delays and some flight cancellations.

• Impact on Tourism:
  Barbados’ tourism industry relies heavily on air travel, and even small disruptions can affect the local economy. With peak tourist season underway, delays and cancellations can tarnish the reputation of the island’s hospitality, affecting hotel bookings and local excursions.

Cancelled Flights:- 4

Delayed Flights:- 9

Cancelled Arrivals of Grantley Adams Int’l Airport 

Montreal-Trudeau International Airport – Limited Delays

Montreal-Trudeau International Airport (YUL), one of Canada’s busiest airports, faced fewer issues compared to other major hubs.

• Impact on Tourism:
  The disruptions at Montreal’s airport were minimal, but given the heavy reliance on air traffic for Quebec’s tourism industry, even minor delays can affect connecting travelers and inbound tourists looking to visit the region.

Cancelled Flights:- 3

Delayed Flights:- 17

Cancelled Arrivals of Montreal-Trudeau Airport

Newark Liberty International Airport – Winter Weather and Operational Delays

At Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR), winter weather conditions combined with high demand caused slight disruptions to air travel.

• Impact on Tourism:
  Newark is a key gateway for international travelers, particularly for those heading to New York. The disruptions added strain on an already busy holiday period, with delays causing cascading effects on hotel stays and activities for tourists.

Cancelled Flights:- 2

Delayed Flights:- 20

Cancelled Arrivals of Newark Liberty Intl Airport

Conclusion: The Ongoing Strain on Global Travel

These disruptions at key international airports highlight the vulnerability of air travel during peak seasons. Whether due to extreme weather, operational overload, or other logistical challenges, even minor disturbances can cause major ripples throughout the travel ecosystem.

For airlines and passengers alike, the key takeaway is the necessity for planning and flexibility. The travel industry must remain agile in responding to these disruptions to mitigate their impact on travelers. With the ongoing holiday season, these airports and airlines will need to prioritize smooth recovery efforts to ensure that passengers are not only re‑booked but also made to feel assured about the continuity of their travel experiences.

Source:- FlightAware and Different Airports