Travel Woes Escalate in the US with 92 Cancellations and 288 Delays by Delta, Alaska, United, SkyWest, American and other Airlines, Stranding Passengers across Chicago, Ontario, Newark, Vancouver, Detroit and beyond

Published on December 12, 2025

As air travel in the US faces yet another major disruption, a total of 92 flights have been canceled and 288 delayed across several major airlines, including Delta, Alaska, United, SkyWest, American, and others. The ongoing chaos has stranded travelers in key hubs such as Chicago, Ontario, Newark, Vancouver, Detroit, and beyond. This has created significant challenges for passengers trying to navigate through the tumultuous holiday season. The cancellations and delays are affecting not only the airlines but also causing ripple effects across major airports.

Flight Cancellations and Delays Overview

The aviation industry is currently grappling with disruptions across numerous airports in the United States and Canada. With major airlines being hit hard, passengers are feeling the brunt of the situation as long delays and cancellations unfold. In total, 92 flights have been canceled, and 288 flights have been delayed. The table below summarizes the cancellations and delays by each airline:

Delta Airlines: The Worst Hit

Delta Airlines, one of the largest carriers in the US, has been heavily impacted by the ongoing disruptions. With 20 cancellations and 52 delays, Delta passengers have faced significant setbacks. The airline has been working on rebooking travelers, but the sheer volume of cancellations has created overwhelming demand, especially during peak travel periods.

Alaska Airlines: Heavy Disruptions in the Air

Alaska Airlines has seen 20 cancellations and 33 delays, leaving passengers stranded in major airports. These disruptions have caused difficulties in rescheduling flights, with travelers having to deal with crowded terminals and long wait times for rebooked flights.

LATAM Brasil: Significant Impact on International Travel

LATAM Brasil, the prominent Latin American carrier, is also facing a challenging situation with 20 cancellations and 32 delays. Travelers bound for destinations such as São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro have had their flights disrupted, and many are left with little information regarding rebooking options.

United Airlines: Compounded Delays and Cancellations

United Airlines has experienced 12 cancellations and 36 delays. While not as severe as other carriers, United passengers have still been impacted by the widespread travel turmoil. As passengers attempt to rebook, long queues and crowded airports have become commonplace.

SkyWest: Regional Carrier Facing a Surge in Delays

SkyWest, a regional carrier, is another airline severely impacted by the chaos. With 12 cancellations and an alarming 82 delays, SkyWest has been working tirelessly to address the surge in issues. As a regional partner to multiple major US carriers, the ripple effect has spread to smaller airports, making it a particularly difficult situation for travelers.

American Airlines: Minimal Cancellations, But Significant Delays

American Airlines has only reported 1 cancellation but has faced 38 delays. While the airline’s cancellations have been minimal, the delays have caused substantial disruption, especially for passengers on connecting flights. American Airlines is actively working to clear backlogs and rebook passengers as quickly as possible.

WestJet: Canadian Carrier Experiences Setbacks

WestJet, a major Canadian airline, is also facing challenges with 7 cancellations and 15 delays. Although the number of cancellations is smaller compared to US-based airlines, the delays have caused frustration for travelers flying out of Vancouver and Toronto.

Major Affected Airports Analysis

The following airports are experiencing the highest levels of disruption due to these cancellations and delays:

• Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD): One of the busiest airports in the US, Chicago O’Hare is seeing a large volume of canceled and delayed flights. The backlog of passengers at this airport is making it harder for travelers to find alternate routes quickly.
• Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR): Newark has also been heavily impacted by cancellations, particularly for international and domestic flights with Delta and United. Passengers have faced significant delays, particularly during peak travel hours.
• Vancouver International Airport (YVR): With WestJet, LATAM Brasil, and Alaska Airlines facing disruptions, Vancouver is dealing with international travel chaos, as many flights to and from Latin America have been affected.
• Ontario International Airport (ONT): This smaller but crucial airport in California has also seen delays and cancellations, especially affecting passengers flying out on SkyWest and American Airlines.
• Detroit Metropolitan Airport (DTW): Delta Airlines, being one of the major carriers operating from Detroit, has contributed heavily to delays at this airport, with significant passenger backlogs.

Cause of Cancellations and Delays

There are several factors contributing to the ongoing flight disruptions:

• Weather Conditions: Poor weather, including thunderstorms and heavy rain, has caused significant delays and cancellations across major airports. These conditions hinder air traffic control, as flights can be grounded for safety reasons.
• Airline Operational Issues: Staffing shortages and logistical challenges continue to plague many airlines. The need to reschedule large volumes of passengers has created a bottleneck in operations.
• Increased Holiday Traffic: The holiday season has seen record numbers of travelers, putting further strain on the already overstretched systems of US and Canadian airports.
• Air Traffic Control Delays: Congestion in the skies, especially in busy hubs, is leading to cascading delays as flights are held back to maintain order in air traffic.

Impact on Travel and Passengers

The travel disruptions have had a major impact on passengers:

• Long Wait Times: With cancellations affecting flights across multiple airlines, passengers are experiencing long lines at customer service desks and extended waiting times at airports. Many travelers have reported spending hours trying to rebook flights or arrange accommodations.
• Inconvenience for Connecting Flights: Passengers with connecting flights are facing missed connections, leading to further delays and complicated rebooking processes.
• Increased Stress: Travelers are becoming increasingly stressed due to the uncertainty around their flight statuses, with many having to rearrange travel plans at the last minute.

Advice for Passengers

For those traveling during this chaotic period, here are a few tips:

• Check Flight Status Regularly: Passengers should monitor their airline’s website or mobile app for the latest updates. Many airlines are providing real-time updates on delays and cancellations.
• Be Prepared for Long Lines: Expect delays at customer service desks and security checkpoints. Arrive early at the airport to allow plenty of time for rebooking and check-in procedures.
• Know Your Rights: If your flight is canceled, you may be entitled to compensation or accommodations depending on the airline and your travel circumstances. Be sure to check the airline’s cancellation policy.
• Consider Alternative Routes: If your flight is delayed or canceled, inquire about rebooking options through other airlines or routes to avoid further disruption.

Conclusion

The ongoing flight cancellations and delays across major US and Canadian airports highlight the challenges that airlines and passengers face during peak travel seasons. With airlines working to rebook passengers and get operations back on track, the best course of action for travelers is to remain patient, stay informed, and plan accordingly. While the situation is far from ideal, following the advice above can help alleviate some of the stress caused by this travel turmoil.

Source: Different airports and FlightAware