Did the US Winter Storm Cause the Worst Air Travel Meltdown Since COVID-19?
Aviation News Editor & Industry Analyst delivering clear coverage for a worldwide audience.
A massive US winter storm triggered the highest single-day flight cancellation event since the pandemic, scrapping over 10,300 flights on Sunday.
Key Takeaways
- •Over 10,300 US flights were canceled on Sunday, January 25, 2026, marking the highest single-day cancellation event since the COVID-19 pandemic, according to Cirium data.
- •American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and Southwest Airlines each scrapped over 1,260 flights, with JetBlue canceling over 70% of its Sunday schedule.
- •Major airport hubs, including DCA, LGA, JFK, EWR, and PHL, experienced near-total shutdowns, with some canceling over 90% of departures.
- •The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) implemented ground stops and worked with airlines on proactive schedule thinning and aircraft repositioning to manage the crisis.
A massive US winter storm swept across the country, causing one of the most severe air travel meltdowns since the COVID-19 pandemic. The storm, sometimes referred to as Winter Storm Fern, brought heavy snow, sleet, and freezing rain from the Southern Rocky Mountains to New England. This weather event severely disrupted the national airspace system over the weekend of January 24–26, 2026.
Flight-tracking site FlightAware reported that airlines canceled more than 10,300 US flights on Sunday alone. Aviation analytics firm Cirium stated this was the highest cancellation event experienced since the pandemic began. The total number of scrapped flights from Saturday through Monday exceeded 16,000, according to FlightAware data.
Airline and Airport Impact
Major US carriers with large hubs in the storm's path were hit especially hard. American Airlines led the flight cancellations, cutting over 1,400 flights on Sunday, or approximately 46% of its scheduled service. Delta Air Lines and Southwest Airlines also reported significant cuts, with each canceling over 1,260 to 1,300 flights for the day. JetBlue Airways scrapped over 70% of its Sunday schedule, totaling more than 570 flights. Even United Airlines canceled approximately 900 flights.
Key Airport Disruptions
Major airport hubs across the eastern half of the country saw near-total shutdowns. Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) canceled all departing flights on Sunday. By midday Sunday, over 80% of departures were canceled at New York's LaGuardia (LGA), John F. Kennedy International (JFK), and Newark Liberty International (EWR) airports. Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) saw 94% of its departures scrapped. Significant disruptions also impacted Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW), Charlotte Douglas (CLT), and Atlanta (ATL).
Operational and Economic Fallout
The widespread aviation industry disruption forced airlines to issue system-wide change waivers. These waivers allowed affected customers to rebook without fees. Carriers attempted to minimize the impact by proactively thinning schedules and repositioning aircraft.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Command Center held planning calls with airlines. The agency anticipated implementing ground delay programs and ground stops. This was necessary due to winter weather impacting flight visibility and aircraft performance. The FAA worked with airports to ensure runways and taxiways were cleared.
This operational paralysis highlights the airline sector's vulnerability to extreme weather. The disruption is expected to translate into financial pressure. Shares for major carriers like American Airlines and Delta Air Lines experienced downward pressure as trading commenced on Monday. Analysts estimate the direct economic hit from lost productivity and operational costs could exceed $300 million. The ripple effect from crew rest requirements will likely prolong airline operational recovery into the following week.
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Written by Ujjwal Sukhwani
Aviation News Editor & Industry Analyst delivering clear coverage for a worldwide audience. Covers flight operations, safety regulations, and market trends with expert analysis.
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