US Faces Severe Travel Chaos with Horizon, SkyWest, Alaska, United, PSA, Allegiant, Delta, and Others Facing Around 7,441 Delays and 242 Flight Cancellations Across Detroit, Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Denver, Seattle, and More

Published on December 19, 2025

US is facing severe travel chaos as Horizon, SkyWest, Alaska, United, PSA, Allegiant, Delta, and others grapple with around 7,441 delays and 242 flight cancellations. Key cities like Detroit, Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Denver, and Seattle are struggling due to operational strains, weather issues, and staffing shortages.. The travel chaos stems from a combination of factors, including weather disruptions, staffing shortages, and high demand, creating widespread operational challenges for airlines. As a result, travelers across the country are grappling with significant setbacks, adding stress to already busy airports during peak travel times.

Airline Performance: Cancellations and Delays in the US

The table showcases the operational challenges faced by airlines in the US, with significant variations in cancellations and delays. SkyWest led the cancellations with 41 flights, but its cancellation rate stayed relatively low at just 1%. Meanwhile, PSA Airlines had a delay rate that surged to 36%, with 270 flights delayed, reflecting their operational strains. On the other hand, Waltzing Matilda Aviation’s 4% cancellation rate was the highest in the dataset, while Cape Air managed to maintain minimal disruption. Major carriers like Southwest, American Airlines, and Delta showed low cancellations but suffered from substantial delays, affecting thousands of travelers nationwide.

Airport Performance: Cancellations and Delays in the US

Airports across the US have also grappled with cancellations and delays, with Minneapolis/St. Paul International (MSP) standing out due to its higher cancellation rate of 4%. Despite the slight uptick in cancellations, MSP experienced a significant 45% delay rate, highlighting a struggle with operational congestion. Des Moines International (DSM) reported the highest cancellation rate of 9%, affecting its flight schedule. In contrast, Seattle-Tacoma International (SEA) recorded a delay rate of 39%, one of the highest in the dataset. While major hubs like Chicago O’Hare (ORD) and Denver International (DEN) maintained minimal cancellations, they experienced notable delays, impacting travelers significantly.

Airport Performance: Cancellations and Delays (Second Set)

The latest data paints a picture of airports across the US grappling with varying levels of disruption. Minneapolis/St. Paul International (MSP) leads in cancellations at 4%, yet it’s the delay rate of 31% that paints the real challenge. Des Moines International (DSM) saw the highest cancellation rate at 9%, emphasizing its operational strains. Meanwhile, Seattle-Tacoma International (SEA) faced delays affecting 39% of its flights, with over 200 delayed flights. Airports like Chicago O’Hare (ORD), Denver International (DEN), and Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) had lower cancellation rates but were still heavily impacted by delays, frustrating many travelers.

US is facing severe travel chaos as Horizon, SkyWest, Alaska, United, PSA, Allegiant, Delta, and others grapple with around 7,441 delays and 242 flight cancellations. Key cities like Detroit, Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Denver, and Seattle are struggling due to operational strains, weather issues, and staffing shortages.

Conclusion

The US has been hit by over 7,441 delays and 242 flight cancellations, with Horizon, SkyWest, Alaska, United, PSA, Allegiant, Delta, and other airlines at the center of the turmoil. Severe travel disruptions have unfolded across major airports in Detroit, Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Denver, Seattle, and more, affecting countless travelers. The chaos has been driven by a mix of weather conditions, staffing shortages, and high travel demand, resulting in operational struggles for airlines and frustration for passengers. As the ripple effect continues, travelers must brace for further challenges while airlines work to stabilize operations and restore normalcy to the skies.