- A total of 79 flights were canceled and 4,770 flights were delayed across two successive days
- Disruptions were caused by a combination of severe bad weather and ongoing operational challenges, including staffing shortages
- Major airlines including American, United, and Delta were significantly impacted, with American Airlines reporting the highest number of delays
- Major airport hubs affected include Newark (EWR), Los Angeles (LAX), Washington Dulles (IAD), and New York (JFK)
Thousands of travelers across the United States have been affected by widespread flight cancellations and delays attributed to a combination of bad weather and operational challenges, according to a report published on October 18, 2025. Across two successive days, a total of 79 flights were canceled and 4,770 flights were delayed, isolating numerous passengers at major domestic airports.
The impact has been significant across multiple carriers, including American Airlines, United Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Hawaiian Airlines, SkyWest Airlines, and Breeze Airways. American Airlines reported the highest number of delays with 663, along with 10 cancellations, while United Airlines saw 19 cancellations and 534 delays. The disruptions have been particularly severe at major hubs such as Newark Liberty International (EWR) and Los Angeles International (LAX), which experienced the highest numbers of affected flights. Other significantly impacted airports include Washington Dulles International (IAD), John F. Kennedy International (JFK), and Charlotte/Douglas International (CLT).
The core issues contributing to the extensive service interruptions are severe weather conditions, such as storms and low visibility, and compounding operational difficulties like staffing shortages and airport congestion. While the report indicates a slight improvement in the situation on the second day, the ripple effect continues to cause backlogs and uncertainty for domestic and international passengers, with many missing onward connections. Affected travelers are advised to check flight statuses regularly, utilize rebooking options, and sign up for real-time notifications from their airlines.