- Over 2,200 total flight delays and 78 cancellations are affecting thousands of travelers across major and regional US airports.
- The primary reasons for the widespread disruptions include necessary deicing procedures at airports in Michigan and operational departure delays due to terminal initiatives at Sarasota.
- Major airlines heavily affected by the delays include American Airlines, Southwest Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and United Airlines, among others.
- Affected passengers should stay updated with their airline, explore rebooking options quickly, and check their eligibility for compensation or accommodations.
Massive operational disruptions have affected thousands of travelers across the United States, primarily due to 2,218 flight delays and 78 cancellations recorded on November 23, 2025. Major carriers including United Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and GoJet are among those facing severe challenges.
The affected airports are widespread, impacting major hubs like Atlanta (ATL), Chicago O’Hare (ORD), Los Angeles (LAX), and New York (JFK & LaGuardia), as well as smaller regional airports such as Flint Bishop International (FNT) and MBS International Airport (MBS) in Michigan.
The primary causes of these system-wide delays are centered on essential winter operations and terminal initiatives. Deicing procedures, necessary for safety during low-temperature conditions, have created significant bottlenecks and delays at airports like Flint and MBS. Separately, Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport (SRQ) is reporting growing departure delays, now averaging 45 minutes and increasing, due to ongoing terminal initiatives that are slowing boarding and passenger flow.
Airlines are struggling to manage the backlog, with American Airlines and Southwest Airlines each reporting 317 delays, followed by Delta with 210 and United with 191 delays, demonstrating the widespread nature of the issue. Regional carriers, including SkyWest and Endeavor Air, are also contributing to the congestion.
Passengers are facing long, uncertain waits, canceled plans, and frustration as the disruptions are expected to continue throughout the day. Travelers are strongly advised to remain in constant contact with their airlines via mobile apps or websites for real-time status updates, and to explore options such as rebooking or considering alternative airports if their flights are canceled. The situation underscores the vulnerability of the air travel industry to operational challenges, highlighting the need for patience and proactive measures from affected passengers.
