American, Piedmont, Frontier, British and Other Airlines Disrupt Travel Across USA, Canada, Europe and Beyond, Suspending 356 Flights Out of and to Philadelphia International Impacting New York, Cyril E King, Dublin, Montreal and More Routes
Published on
February 23, 2026
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American Airlines, Piedmont, Frontier, British Airways, and several other major airlines are causing major disruptions to travel across the USA, Canada, Europe, and beyond. This comes as Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) experiences the brunt of a massive storm, resulting in the suspension of 356 flights both departing from and arriving at the airport. The storm’s impact extends far beyond Philadelphia, affecting key routes to cities like New York, Cyril E King, Dublin and Montreal, among others. With severe weather warnings in place, travel conditions remain challenging. Passengers should be prepared for delays and cancellations, especially when flying from airports in the northeastern part of the continent.
These disruptions are a reminder of how weather can dramatically affect air travel, causing ripple effects across multiple countries and regions. As the storm continues, travelers are urged to check with airlines for updates on their flight status.
Historic Winter Storm Slams Philadelphia Travel
A powerful winter storm sweeping across the US Northeast, delivering blizzard conditions to the Mid‑Atlantic region, has thrust travel chaos into full force at Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) and other key hubs. Snowfall rates are high, winds are fierce, and the storm has already triggered extraordinary disruptions—grounding flights, stranding passengers, and forcing cancellations and delays at dozens of airports.
In Philadelphia’s case, today alone has seen a staggering 356 cancellations and 114 delays at PHL, according to flight tracking data you provided. These figures reflect not an isolated commuter issue but a broader travel meltdown tied directly to extreme winter weather sweeping from Maryland through New England.
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Winter Storm Hernando: Why Flights Are Collapsing
Meteorologists warn that Winter Storm Hernando—a name now etched in travel disruption charts—is delivering heavy snow, strong winds and blizzard conditions to the Northeast. Coastal cities including Philadelphia, New York, Boston, and Baltimore are bracing for multiple feet of snow. The National Weather Service anticipates up to 20+ inches of snow in the Philadelphia region with high wind gusts capable of reducing visibility to near zero.
Blizzard warnings echo across Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and New York, as authorities warn of “life‑threatening travel conditions.” Such intense snowfall and winds force airlines to ground flights, close runways, and delay or cancel schedules until conditions improve—explaining the unprecedented disruption at PHL and beyond.
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Airports and Cities Feeling the Brunt
While Philadelphia International Airport remains one of the worst affected, this winter storm has sent shockwaves across the US air travel network:
Major Domestic Airports Impacted
- Boston Logan Intl (BOS): 44% cancellations and spot delays.
- Hartsfield‑Jackson Intl (ATL): 33% cancellations, 22% delays.
- Orlando Intl (MCO): 33% cancellations, 16% delays.
- Toronto Pearson Int’l (YYZ): a dramatic 80% cancellation rate.
- Detroit Metro (DTW): 37% cancellations with no reported delays.
This mix of cancellations and delays shows the storm’s reach beyond just Pennsylvania to international hubs like Toronto and domestic connectors like Atlanta and Orlando. Even cities normally buffered from winter weather are feeling ripple effects due to aircraft scheduling, crew repositioning, and network impacts.
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Airlines Under Pressure
The storm hasn’t spared major carriers:
- American Airlines and Delta Air Lines report high cancellation percentages at PHL.
- Regional and partner carriers such as Piedmont and PSA Airlines also show elevated cancellation figures in the Philadelphia market.
- Even international flights affected via hubs like Toronto and London Heathrow have registered disruptions, illustrating the far‑reaching impacts of severe winter weather.
The Weather Behind the Chaos
What makes this event particularly severe are the blizzard conditions—heavy snow combined with gusts that can exceed 50 mph, blanketing runways and presenting safety challenges for aircraft operations. Airports must wait for runway clearance, de‑icing operations, and visibility improvements before flights can safely resume.
This Nor’easter has been compared to historic winter storms that halted air travel and ground transportation across the Northeast. Snow accumulation, drifting, and whiteout conditions not only delay flights but also disrupt ground services, baggage handling, and airport logistics—compounding travel chaos.
What Affected Passengers Can Do Now
Passengers caught in this storm‑induced travel disaster can take several critical steps:
1. Check Real‑Time Flight Status
Always verify your flight status with your airline directly—via app, website, or airport screens. Flight statuses can change rapidly as forecasts evolve.
2. Utilize Weather Waivers
Many carriers, including American, Delta, and Southwest, are issuing weather waivers that allow rebooking without penalties. Airlines typically extend flexible ticket changes during storms of this magnitude.
3. Explore Alternative Travel Options
If your route is severely disrupted, consider:
- Rebooking through alternate gateways farther from the storm (e.g., airports south or west of the Northeast).
- Switching to ground transportation if feasible.
- Booking flights on less affected days or times once the storm eases.
4. Prepare for Delays
Storms of this size often create a cascading backlog—not just for current travel but for days afterward. Passengers should arrange accommodations, notify contacts of changes, and anticipate slow recovery of schedules.
5. Know Your Rights
In the United States, if an airline cancels your flight, you are generally entitled to a refund—even if weather causes the disruption. Meal vouchers or lodging assistance are not guaranteed for weather events but depend on airline policies.
Looking Ahead: When Travel Will Improve
The storm is forecast to continue affecting the Northeast through Monday and possibly into Tuesday. Recovery of flight operations could take several days given the number of cancellations and the need to reposition aircraft and crews. Travelers on multi‑leg or connecting itineraries should expect further adjustments.
For local residents in the Delaware Valley, officials have already declared snow emergencies to keep roads clear and facilitate snow removal—an indication that travel, both on the ground and in the air, will remain challenging until the storm abates.
As winter storms grow more intense and frequent, the aviation industry faces recurring operational challenges. The current disruption at Philadelphia International Airport, total of 356 cancellations and 114 delays, illustrates just how vulnerable travel networks are to extreme weather events. Passengers are advised to stay informed, flexible, and prepared for delayed travel well into early next week.
Source: FlightAware
