Historic Winter Storm Forces 32,000 Flight Cancellations, Crippling US Air Travel
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A historic winter storm forced over 32,000 flight cancellations and closed 30 airports, creating one of the most severe US air travel disruptions since the COVID-19 pandemic.
Key Takeaways
- •Over 20,000 commercial flights were canceled from January 23-26, 2026, due to the storm.
- •Major Northeast airports, including LGA and DCA, were forced to close or cancel nearly all operations.
- •American Airlines reported over 9,000 cancellations and estimated financial losses up to $200 million.
- •The storm caused widespread power outages and contributed to at least 82 fatalities across the affected states.
A massive historic winter storm recently swept across the United States. It impacted over 40 states from Arizona to Maine. This severe weather caused catastrophic disruptions to the National Airspace System.
Initial reports indicate more than 32,000 flights were canceled nationwide. This made it one of the worst severe US travel disruption events. The storm delivered deadly snow, ice, and extreme cold. It affected more than 240 million people across the country.
Aviation Operations Grind to a Halt
The storm, unofficially named Winter Storm Fern, spanned from January 23 to January 27, 2026. The peak of the winter weather travel impact occurred over the weekend. On a single day, Sunday, January 26, over 11,000 flights were canceled. This was the highest single-day cancellation total since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Overall, the storm caused over 20,000 flight cancellations from January 23-26. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) faced immense pressure. They worked to manage the widespread flight cancellations and delays.
Major Airport Closures
The storm's severity led to numerous Northeast airport closures. The National Airspace System listed 30 airports as closed at one point. In the New York area, LaGuardia Airport (LGA) temporarily closed all air traffic. Other major hubs were also severely affected. These included Newark Liberty International Airport and John F. Kennedy International (JFK).
In Washington, D.C., Ronald Reagan National Airport (DCA) canceled all flights. The storm's path also hit the South and Midwest. The key hub at Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) operated on a reduced schedule. Crews worked constantly to clear runways and roads.
Airline Financial and Operational Impact
Major US carriers bore the brunt of the operational chaos. American Airlines (American Airlines) was among the hardest hit. The airline reported over 9,000 cancellations due to the storm. This was the largest weather-related disruption in the carrier's history.
American Airlines estimated significant financial losses. The storm could cost the airline up to $200 million. This loss will be reported in the first quarter of 2026 financial statements. The cost per available seat mile is expected to increase by 1.5 percentage points.
Other major carriers like United and Delta also saw massive disruptions. Airlines preemptively canceled flights to reposition crews. This strategy was meant to minimize passenger strandings. However, recovery efforts extended into the following week.
Broader Societal Impact
The storm's impact went far beyond air travel. At least 82 people were killed across over a dozen states. The extreme cold and severe weather were major factors. Hundreds of thousands of customers lost power. Catastrophic ice storm power outages crippled the Southeast. Mississippi and Tennessee were among the hardest-hit states. The weight of the ice snapped trees and brought down power lines. This left many communities in life-threatening conditions. Lingering arctic cold continues to impede recovery efforts. The lack of power poses a serious risk to residents.
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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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