Why Did U.S. Airlines Cancel Over 11,500 Flights Due to a Winter Storm?

By Ujjwal Sukhwani—Published Jan 26, 2026 at 06:35 PM UTC, 2 min read

Aviation News Editor & Industry Analyst delivering clear coverage for a worldwide audience.

Why Did U.S. Airlines Cancel Over 11,500 Flights Due to a Winter Storm?

U.S. airlines canceled over 11,500 flights and delayed thousands more on Sunday due to a severe winter storm, crippling major hubs across the Northeast and South.

Key Takeaways

•Over 11,500 U.S. flights were canceled on Sunday, January 25, accounting for over 92% of global cancellations.
•Major hubs including EWR, JFK, BOS, DFW, and CLT faced significant operational disruptions and high cancellation rates.
•Airlines like American, Delta, Southwest, and United each canceled over 1,000 flights due to the widespread storm.
•The DOT mandates a full refund for canceled flights, but airlines are not federally required to provide compensation for weather-related delays.

A severe winter storm has crippled U.S. Northeast air travel this week. On Sunday alone, a staggering 11,599 flights were canceled. This figure accounts for over 92% of all global cancellations. Thousands more flights faced significant delays. The storm’s severe weather impact stretched from the South to New England. This created immense airline operational challenges nationwide.

Major Airport Disruptions

Major airport disruptions hit key hubs hard. Newark Liberty (EWR) saw over 40% of its flights canceled. Other major facilities were also severely affected. These include Boston Logan (BOS) and New York’s LaGuardia (LGA) and John F. Kennedy (JFK). Further south, Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) and Charlotte Douglas (CLT) recorded high cancellation numbers.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) managed the airspace. They implemented air traffic control restrictions and ground stops. This action was necessary for safety during heavy snow and ice. The FAA also provides funding for snow removal equipment. Ground crews struggled with de-icing procedures. This limited the airport's overall capacity.

Airline Response and Recovery

Major carriers faced unprecedented disruption. American Airlines (AAL) recorded the highest number of cancellations. Delta, Southwest, and United also canceled over 1,000 flights each on Sunday. Airlines employed a schedule trimming strategy proactively. This aims to reduce the ripple effect of delays. By canceling flights early, airlines can reposition crews and aircraft. This helps accelerate the overall aviation industry recovery post-storm.

Carriers issued travel waivers for affected areas. These waivers allow passengers to rebook without penalty. This minimizes congestion at airport check-in counters.

Passenger Refund Rights and DOT Rules

The storm created significant challenges for travelers. Passengers must navigate rebooking or refund options. The Department of Transportation (DOT) sets clear rules for cancellations. Airlines must provide a full refund if a flight is canceled. This applies even if the cause is weather-related.

However, Department of Transportation rules do not mandate compensation. Airlines are not required to provide meals or hotels for weather-related events. These are considered “extraordinary circumstances.” Passengers should check their airline's specific policy. Many carriers offer assistance as a customer service measure. The focus now shifts to recovery efforts. The goal is restoring full operational schedules quickly.

For global airline trends and commercial aviation news, turn to flying.flights.

winter storm flight cancellations FAA U.S. air travel airline operations Northeast airports

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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