US And Canada Holiday Plans Put On Hold As Bomb Cyclone Hits Delta, Air Canada, And United Face Major Cancellations And Destroys Tourist Plans In Chicago, Detroit, Ontario, And Quebec: New Updates For Travelers

Published on December 30, 2025

US and Canada holiday plans have been put on hold due to Winter Storm Ezra, a bomb cyclone that has caused major cancellations and delays for airlines like Delta, Air Canada, and United. The storm, which hit in late December 2025, brought snow, icy conditions, and strong winds to cities such as Chicago, Detroit, Ontario, and Quebec, leading to nearly 6,000 flight delays and over 750 cancellations. These disruptions have left travelers scrambling to adjust their plans during the busy holiday season. With airports seeing major backlogs and confusion spreading among affected passengers, both leisure and business travelers have been left in uncertainty. As airlines and airports continue to work on recovery, travelers are urged to check for updates and remain flexible with their itineraries.

As the holiday season approaches, travelers across the United States and Canada have faced a significant disruption in their plans due to Winter Storm Ezra, a bomb cyclone that has caused widespread havoc across both nations. With major airlines like Delta, Air Canada, United, and Frontier among the most impacted, travelers have been left scrambling to adjust their itineraries. The storm, which intensified in late December 2025, affected cities such as Chicago, Detroit, Philadelphia, New York City, and Toronto, bringing snow, icy conditions, and strong winds that led to nearly 6,000 flight delays and over 750 cancellations.

The Bomb Cyclone and Its Impact on US and Canadian Cities

A bomb cyclone occurs when atmospheric pressure drops dramatically in a short period, causing high winds, heavy precipitation, and extreme temperature shifts. Winter Storm Ezra was no exception, with the storm severely affecting United States and Canadian travel during one of the busiest holiday seasons of the year.

US Regions Affected

The storm’s path primarily impacted the Midwest, Great Lakes, Northeast, and parts of the Plains. Several cities saw significant travel disruptions:

• Chicago, Illinois: With over 1,000 flight delays and numerous cancellations, O’Hare International Airport and Midway International Airport were among the hardest-hit airports. The storm resulted in hazardous road conditions, further complicating ground travel.
• Detroit, Michigan: The city’s Metropolitan Wayne County Airport experienced a major ground stop and delays as heavy snow and winds made it difficult to maintain safe operations. Delta Air Lines, one of the key carriers in Detroit, faced the brunt of the cancellations.
• Philadelphia, Pennsylvania: Temperatures plunged from nearly 60°F to below freezing in a matter of hours, leading to canceled flights at Philadelphia International Airport and widespread travel disruptions.
• New York City, New York: Both John F. Kennedy and Newark Liberty International Airport were affected by the bomb cyclone, with low visibility and high winds grounding flights.
• Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania: Known for its snowy winters, Pittsburgh saw significant snow accumulation and delays, causing several flight cancellations at Pittsburgh International Airport.

Canadian Regions Affected

Canada‘s Southeastern regions, especially Ontario and Quebec, were not spared by the storm. Key cities in these provinces, including Toronto and Montreal, faced delays and cancellations:

• Toronto, Ontario: Toronto Pearson International Airport, the busiest in Canada, was severely affected by the storm, with hundreds of flight cancellations and delays due to snow and icy conditions.
• Montreal, Quebec: Montreal-Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport also reported substantial delays, especially in the evening as visibility decreased and temperatures dropped, making travel challenging.

Impacted Airlines: Delta, Air Canada, United, and More

Both US and Canadian airlines struggled to maintain schedules as the bomb cyclone wreaked havoc across airports. Major carriers such as Delta, Air Canada, and United faced considerable disruptions in flight operations, with thousands of passengers impacted.

US Airlines Affected by the Bomb Cyclone

The following US airlines experienced the worst of the disruptions:

The storm’s powerful impact on airlines left many passengers stranded at airports across the country. Delta, one of the most impacted airlines, saw over 1,000 delayed flights and more than 140 cancellations, further aggravating the situation.

Canadian Airlines Affected by the Bomb Cyclone

The storm’s reach was not limited to the US. Canadian airlines also experienced major disruptions, particularly in Ontario and Quebec. The following airlines were notably affected:

Jazz, Porter, and Air Canada were among the most impacted in Canada, with hundreds of delayed flights and numerous cancellations. Montreal and Toronto saw particularly severe disruptions as passengers scrambled to find new flights or accommodations.

Regional Travel Disruptions and Power Outages

Aside from the chaos at airports, the bomb cyclone also wreaked havoc on road travel and caused power outages in several states and provinces. In the US, parts of the Midwest and Great Lakes regions were warned to avoid non-essential travel due to dangerous conditions. Low visibility, icy surfaces, and snowstorms led to multiple accidents, including several multi-vehicle pileups.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) issued warnings advising travelers to avoid driving in certain areas. Areas affected included:

• Chicago, Illinois
• Detroit, Michigan
• Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
• Cleveland, Ohio
• Buffalo, New York

In Canada, snow accumulation and freezing rain caused hazardous conditions across Ontario and Quebec, particularly near the Great Lakes. Road closures were announced, and authorities advised caution when traveling by car.

Tourist Destinations Impacted by the Bomb Cyclone

With the winter storm impacting major airports in the US and Canada, several tourist destinations also felt the effects of the bomb cyclone. Popular cities like Chicago, Detroit, Toronto, and Montreal were among those most severely affected, as visitors struggled to reach major landmarks and attractions.

US Tourist Cities Affected

• Chicago: Famous for its architecture, museums, and cultural landmarks, Chicago was forced to close several tourist sites due to the storm’s impact. Visitors to Millennium Park, Navy Pier, and the Art Institute of Chicago faced significant disruptions.
• Detroit: The Motor City, known for its rich history in the automotive industry, was impacted by the storm. Popular attractions like the Detroit Institute of Arts and Motown Museum had to adjust their hours due to the adverse weather conditions.
• New York City: Though New York City was not as heavily affected as other cities, its airports saw major disruptions. Visitors heading to Times Square, Central Park, and the Statue of Liberty faced considerable delays as airports struggled to recover.

Canadian Tourist Cities Affected

• Toronto: As Canada’s largest city, Toronto is a major tourist destination, known for the CN Tower, Royal Ontario Museum, and nearby Niagara Falls. The storm caused flight disruptions, impacting both local tourists and international visitors.
• Montreal: A city renowned for its festivals, cultural diversity, and French heritage, Montreal’s tourism sector felt the brunt of the storm. Famous sites like Old Montreal, Mont Royal, and the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts were less accessible due to the weather.

What Travelers Need to Know

As the bomb cyclone continues to impact both US and Canadian holiday travel, here’s what you should keep in mind:

1. Flight Status: Always check your flight status ahead of time. Airlines like Delta, Air Canada, and United are working to rebook passengers, but due to limited availability during the holiday period, delays and cancellations are expected.
2. Accommodation: If you’re stranded due to a cancelled flight, reach out to your airline for assistance with hotel accommodations. Many airlines are offering help with lodging in affected cities.
3. Road Travel: Avoid non-essential driving in areas affected by the storm. If you must drive, ensure your vehicle is prepared for winter conditions.
4. Stay Updated: Regularly monitor weather forecasts and follow updates from the FAA and Canadian authorities for information on delays and cancellations.

The bomb cyclone, Winter Storm Ezra, has had a significant impact on travel plans across the US and Canada, stranding thousands of passengers during one of the busiest travel periods of the year. With major airports and cities like Chicago, Detroit, Toronto, and Montreal facing disruptions, travelers need to stay informed and prepared for ongoing delays and cancellations.

US and Canada holiday plans have been put on hold as Winter Storm Ezra, a bomb cyclone, has caused major cancellations and delays for airlines like Delta, Air Canada, and United. The storm’s impact on cities such as Chicago, Detroit, Ontario, and Quebec has led to nearly 6,000 flight delays and over 750 cancellations, leaving travelers scrambling to adjust their plans.

As the storm continues to affect the region, the focus now shifts to recovery efforts. Airlines, government agencies, and local authorities are working tirelessly to ensure travelers’ safety and minimize the disruptions caused by this powerful winter storm.