Thousands of Passengers across U.S. Abandoned as Delta, United, American, Southwest and More Airlines Face 180 Cancellations and 3,070 Delays at Atlanta, New York, Dallas, Chicago, San Francisco and Others
Published on
January 5, 2026
Thousands of Passengers across the U.S. Abandoned as Delta, United, American, Southwest, and more airlines face 180 cancellations and 3,070 delays at major airports in Atlanta, New York, Dallas, Chicago, San Francisco, and others. This massive disruption has left countless passengers stranded or facing hours-long waits at some of the busiest airports in the country. Delays and cancellations have affected flights from coast to coast, causing chaos at airports like Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International (ATL), LaGuardia (LGA), and Chicago O’Hare (ORD). Airlines like Delta and United have been hit hardest, with numerous flights grounded due to weather and air traffic issues.
Passengers are advised to stay in constant communication with their airlines to rebook flights or seek compensation. As the situation continues to evolve, many are struggling to find alternative routes.
Causes of Today’s Travel Disruptions
Several factors have contributed to the ongoing travel delays across U.S. airports, with specific areas seeing more significant impacts.
Deicing Delays at Albuquerque International (ABQ)
Albuquerque International (ABQ) has experienced deicing delays, which have caused disruptions for outbound flights. Deicing is a common winter-related delay that ensures the safety of aircraft before departure, but it can lead to extended wait times for passengers.
Ground Delays at Aspen/Pitkin County Airport (ASE)
Aspen/Pitkin County Airport (ASE) has been dealing with ground delays due to low ceilings (cloud cover), which have limited visibility for flights. This weather condition has led to an average delay of 45 minutes.
Departure Delays at Orlando International Airport (MCO)
At Orlando International Airport (MCO), departure delays have been reported, primarily due to TM initiatives. These are delays caused by operational procedures and systems designed to manage air traffic and ensure safety. The average delay at MCO is 15 minutes but is expected to increase throughout the day.
Ground Delays at San Francisco International Airport (SFO)
San Francisco International (SFO) has also been affected by ground delays due to high winds, with average delays reaching 143 minutes. Ground delays occur when weather conditions prevent planes from taking off as scheduled, causing a ripple effect across departing flights.
Airspace Flow Program (FCAMA5) and (FCAMU1)
One of the significant reasons for flight delays today is the Airspace Flow Program (FCAMA5). This program regulates air traffic flow in congested airspaces, particularly in the southeast. Flights crossing through this area are being delayed by an average of 183 minutes, or they may be rerouted to avoid congestion. The program helps control air traffic volume but often leads to significant delays for travelers.
Additionally, FCAMU1 affects flights departing to destinations like MMUN. Flights crossing this airspace will experience an average delay of 45 minutes or will be rerouted to avoid congestion. These programs are critical to maintaining the safety of the air traffic system but cause delays as airspace volume is managed.
Affected Airlines and Their Impact
Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, and American Airlines have been hit the hardest by the ongoing disruptions, reporting some of the highest numbers of delays and cancellations in the U.S. today. Delta alone has had 31 cancellations and 512 delays, followed by United with 15 cancellations and 200 delays, and American Airlines with 13 cancellations and 230 delays.
Smaller carriers like Southwest Airlines and JetBlue Airways also saw disruptions, with Southwest experiencing 2 cancellations and 352 delays, while JetBlue reported 2 cancellations and 202 delays.AirlineCancellationsDelaysDelta Air Lines31512United Airlines15200American Airlines13230Southwest Airlines2352JetBlue Airways2202Alaska Airlines682Frontier Airlines1785Spirit Airlines585SkyWest Airlines14135Envoy Air432Horizon Air47
U.S. Airports Bearing the Brunt of the Chaos
Several major airports across the country are seeing significant delays and cancellations today. Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL), one of the busiest airports in the world, is facing the highest number of delays with 540 delays and 27 cancellations. The ongoing issues have left many travelers scrambling to find new routes or cope with long waits.
Other major airports including LaGuardia (LGA), Dallas-Fort Worth International (DFW), and Newark Liberty International (EWR) are also heavily impacted, reporting 69, 132, and 110 delays respectively, with moderate cancellation numbers.
Here’s a look at the airports with significant disruptions:AirportCancellationsDelaysHartsfield-Jackson Atlanta Intl (ATL)27540LaGuardia (LGA)669Dallas-Fort Worth Intl (DFW)12132Newark Liberty Intl (EWR)13110John F Kennedy Intl (JFK)7178Chicago O’Hare Intl (ORD)7137Miami Intl (MIA)994San Francisco Intl (SFO)9183Phoenix Sky Harbor Intl (PHX)874Denver Intl (DEN)347Harry Reid Intl, Las Vegas (LAS)787Boston Logan Intl (BOS)349Reagan National (DCA)322Detroit Metro Wayne Co (DTW)747San Diego Intl (SAN)320Fort Lauderdale Intl (FLL)353Seattle-Tacoma Intl (SEA)438Los Angeles Intl (LAX)773John Wayne, Orange County (SNA)412Palm Springs Intl (PSP)46
These airports have seen varying degrees of delays, with Atlanta, San Francisco, and New York airports being some of the worst affected.
What Passengers Can Do Now
If you’re a passenger caught in today’s disruptions, it’s essential to stay informed and take steps to manage your travel plans.
- Check Flight Status Regularly
For passengers traveling through affected airports, the first step is to check their flight status regularly. Airlines are providing up-to-date information on cancellations and delays via their websites and mobile apps. - Contact Your Airline for Updates
If you’re already at the airport, contacting your airline staff for alternative options or rebooking is crucial. Many airlines are prioritizing affected passengers, so don’t hesitate to ask for assistance. - Explore Alternative Routes
If your flight is cancelled or delayed by a significant amount, explore alternative airports and routes. Sometimes, nearby airports may have fewer disruptions, providing an opportunity for rebooking on a different flight. - Know Your Rights
Be aware of your rights when it comes to flight delays and cancellations. U.S. airlines are required to provide compensation for long delays and certain cancellations, including meals, accommodation, or compensation depending on the length of the delay and your situation. - Prepare for Long Waits
Given the high volume of delays, prepare for long waits at the airport. Bring entertainment, snacks, and essential items to make the waiting time more bearable.
Conclusion
Today’s widespread delays and cancellations are leaving thousands of passengers stranded or inconvenienced across the U.S. Airlines like Delta, United, and American are dealing with significant operational setbacks, affecting numerous airports. The impact is felt especially heavily in key hubs like Atlanta, New York, and Dallas, where both delays and cancellations are at their peak.
If you’re one of the affected passengers, staying informed, keeping communication open with your airline, and exploring alternative routes are your best options. As the situation continues to evolve, travelers are encouraged to remain patient and proactive in managing their travel plans.
Source: FlightAware and Affected Airports
