Travel Mayhem Continues in the US with 99 Cancellations and 730 Delays by Volaris, United, SkyWest, Delta,American and other Airlines, Leaving Thousands Stuck across Miami, Houston, Newark, San Diego, Salt Lake and Beyond

Published on December 13, 2025

Travel chaos has reached unprecedented levels across the United States, with a total of 99 flight cancellations and 730 delays this week, leaving thousands of passengers stranded in major airports. Travelers have endured long delays and cancellations, particularly in high-traffic cities such as Miami, Houston, Newark, San Diego, and Salt Lake City. These ongoing disruptions have been caused by a combination of weather issues, air traffic control restrictions, staffing shortages, and operational difficulties at several major airlines. Passengers are being urged to stay informed and remain flexible as the situation continues to evolve.

Here’s an in-depth breakdown of the cancellations, delays, and their impact on passengers, as well as advice for those affected.

Total Cancellations and Delays

In total, there have been 99 cancellations and 730 delays across several airlines, causing widespread disruptions at airports across the US. The airlines most significantly impacted by these disruptions include Volaris, United, SkyWest, and Delta. Passengers flying through major hubs like Miami International, George Bush Intercontinental (Houston), and Newark Liberty have been particularly affected. Additionally, yesterday’s numbers have compounded the issue, with 133 cancellations and a staggering 6,512 delays reported across the US.

Volaris: 20 Cancellations and 76 Delays

• Affected Airports: Miami, San Diego, Newark
• Impact: Volaris, known for its affordable flights, has experienced substantial disruptions with 20 cancellations and 76 delays. Passengers traveling through major airports such as Miami and San Diego have faced extended waiting times and have been left scrambling to find alternative flights.

Air Canada: 15 Cancellations and 92 Delays

• Affected Airports: Newark, Houston, Toronto, Montreal
• Impact: Air Canada has seen significant disruption, especially at its US hubs in Newark and Houston, with 15 cancellations and 92 delays reported. Passengers flying to and from Canada have been affected by the ongoing operational issues, which have resulted in long waiting periods and overcrowded terminals.

United Airlines: 12 Cancellations and 104 Delays

• Affected Airports: Newark, Houston, San Diego
• Impact: United Airlines has seen 12 cancellations and 104 delays, particularly affecting flights departing from major hubs such as Newark and Houston. United has attributed much of the delays to weather-related issues and ongoing air traffic control restrictions that have caused significant backlogs.

SkyWest: 12 Cancellations and 124 Delays

• Affected Airports: Salt Lake City, San Diego, Dallas
• Impact: SkyWest Airlines, which operates regional flights for larger carriers, has faced major operational delays and cancellations. With 12 flights canceled and a staggering 124 delays, SkyWest has been severely impacted by the disruption. Salt Lake City, a major hub for SkyWest, has seen large crowds of stranded passengers as the airline works to accommodate those affected by delayed or canceled flights.

Alaska Airlines: 19 Cancellations and 26 Delays

• Affected Airports: Seattle, Portland, San Francisco
• Impact: Alaska Airlines has reported 19 cancellations and 26 delays, mostly affecting flights from Seattle, Portland, and San Francisco. Although the number of cancellations is relatively lower compared to other carriers, delays have been significant, particularly for those traveling to destinations in the Pacific Northwest.

Delta Airlines: 15 Cancellations and 121 Delays

• Affected Airports: Atlanta, Salt Lake City, Minneapolis
• Impact: Delta Airlines, one of the largest carriers in the US, has been significantly impacted by the ongoing disruption, with 15 cancellations and 121 delays. The airline has cited weather-related factors as well as staffing shortages as contributing to the delays. Major hubs like Atlanta and Salt Lake City have seen overcrowded terminals as passengers await updates on their flights.

WestJet: 5 Cancellations and 47 Delays

• Affected Airports: Vancouver, Calgary
• Impact: WestJet Airlines, while reporting fewer cancellations and delays compared to other carriers, has still faced significant operational setbacks, particularly in Vancouver and Calgary. The airline has seen 5 cancellations and 47 delays, mainly affecting flights between Canada and the US.

American Airlines: 1 Cancellation and 140 Delays

• Affected Airports: Miami, Dallas-Fort Worth, Phoenix
• Impact: American Airlines has reported only one cancellation, but with 140 delays, it has experienced the highest number of delayed flights. Miami and Dallas-Fort Worth airports have seen the most disruptions, as passengers are stuck in terminals waiting for updates.

Major Affected Airports and Cities

Several airports have been severely impacted by the ongoing disruptions, leading to chaos for travelers. The most affected airports include:

• Miami International Airport (MIA): Struggling with long delays and cancellations, particularly with American Airlines.
• George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) in Houston: Facing operational challenges due to air traffic control restrictions and weather-related delays.
• Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR): A major hub for United and Air Canada, Newark has been seeing considerable delays, with passengers experiencing long waits.
• Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC): SkyWest and Delta have had major delays here, with long lines and overbooked rebooking options.
• San Diego International Airport (SAN): Volaris and SkyWest have caused major disruptions, with delays affecting both business and leisure travelers.

Cause of Cancellations and Delays

The causes behind these widespread delays and cancellations are varied:

• Weather Conditions: Thunderstorms, winter weather, and high winds have severely impacted flights, particularly in northern and central parts of the US.
• Air Traffic Control Delays: Congestion in busy airspaces and operational restrictions have caused substantial delays across the US.
• Staff Shortages: Airlines are dealing with staffing shortages, from pilots to ground crew, which has added to the operational challenges.
• Operational Issues: Airlines have also been facing technical issues with aircraft, contributing to delays in departures.

Impact on Travel and Passengers

Travelers have faced significant disruptions:

• Long Waiting Times: Passengers are being delayed for hours, with many unable to reach their destinations on time.
• Missed Connections: Connections have been missed due to late arrivals, leading to further disruptions for passengers on connecting flights.
• Overcrowded Terminals: With long delays and cancellations, airports have become overcrowded, making it difficult for passengers to find seating and basic amenities.

Advice for Passengers

• Check Flight Status: Always monitor your flight status for real-time updates via the airline’s website or mobile app.
• Stay Flexible: If your flight is delayed or canceled, consider alternative routes or rebookings offered by the airline.
• Prepare for Long Delays: Bring essential items, including snacks, chargers, and entertainment, as delays could extend for several hours.
• Sign Up for Notifications: Get flight status notifications from your airline to stay informed about any changes to your itinerary.

Conclusion

As disruptions continue to impact airports across the US, passengers must remain patient and prepared for further delays. Airlines are doing their best to resolve the situation, but given the scope of the issue, it is crucial for travelers to stay informed, flexible, and proactive. With the right preparation, passengers can navigate the challenges posed by these disruptions and minimize the impact on their travel plans.

Source: Different airports and FlightAware