Why Strong Winds Forced the FAA to Cap Arrivals at San Francisco International Airport.

December 26, 2025 at 01:33 AM•3 min read

The FAA implemented a Ground Delay Program at San Francisco International Airport (SFO) on Christmas Day, delaying over 300 flights due to strong winds and winter weather.

Key Points

1Over 300 flights were delayed at San Francisco International Airport (SFO) on Christmas Day due to strong winds and winter weather.
2The FAA implemented a Ground Delay Program, initially capping arrivals at 25 flights per hour for safety reasons.
3Average delays were projected to approach two hours, with maximum delays potentially reaching three hours.
4The Ground Delay Program is a key air traffic control procedure used to prevent excessive airborne holding during adverse weather.

Strong winds and winter weather disrupted holiday travel at San Francisco International Airport (SFO) on Christmas Day. Hundreds of travelers faced significant flight delays throughout the day. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) was forced to intervene. They implemented a Ground Delay Program (GDP) to manage the air traffic.

FAA Implements Ground Delay Program

The FAA initially capped SFO arrivals at 25 flights per hour. This was a necessary safety measure due to the severe weather conditions. The cap was later increased to 28 flights per hour. This Ground Delay Program affected all domestic flights and select Canadian routes. GDPs are a standard air traffic control procedure. They hold aircraft at their departure airport. This action ensures that arrival demand does not exceed the airport's reduced capacity.

Operational Impact and Delay Metrics

Flight-tracking data showed the immediate impact of the weather. Nearly 200 flights were delayed by Christmas morning, according to FlightAware. By Thursday afternoon, this number grew to over 300 delayed flights. Only a small number of cancellations were reported. This suggested most travelers would eventually reach their destinations. However, they would arrive much later than planned.

Major carriers faced the most significant airline operational disruptions. These included United, Southwest, Delta, and American Airlines. Average delays were approximately 24 minutes by 11 a.m. However, the FAA warned conditions could worsen. Travelers were advised to prepare for average delays of up to two hours. Maximum delays could potentially stretch to three hours.

The Role of the Ground Delay Program

The Ground Delay Program is a key tool for safety. It prevents excessive airborne holding of aircraft. This is crucial during high-wind events. The program assigns an Expect Departure Clearance Time (EDCT) to affected flights. This regulates the flow of traffic into the congested airport. This proactive measure is vital for maintaining flight safety and system efficiency.

Regional and Industry Context

Fortunately, other major Bay Area airport operations were unaffected. Airports in Oakland and San Jose did not report similar weather disruptions. This highlights the localized nature of the severe wind impact at SFO. The aviation industry, represented by manufacturers like Airbus, constantly monitors such events. Weather-related issues are the largest cause of air traffic delays in the National Airspace System, according to FAA data. The International Air Transport Association (IATA) stresses the need for robust contingency plans. These plans are essential for managing holiday travel chaos during peak seasons. For more commercial aviation news, visit flying.flights.

Passengers were strongly advised to check with their specific airlines. This ensures they receive the most current flight status updates. The goal of the GDP was to prioritize safety. It also aimed to minimize the overall disruption to the busy holiday travel schedule.