Winter Storm Fern Grounds 10,000+ US Flights; What's Next for Air Travel?
Aviation News Editor & Industry Analyst delivering clear coverage for a worldwide audience.
Winter Storm Fern caused the most severe single-day disruption since the pandemic, forcing over 10,000 US flight cancellations on Sunday, January 25.
Key Takeaways
- •Over 11,500 US flights were canceled on Sunday, January 25, 2026, due to Winter Storm Fern, marking the highest single-day disruption since the pandemic.
- •American Airlines, Delta, Southwest, and United each canceled over 1,000 flights, with major hubs like DFW, CLT, and the New York airports severely impacted.
- •The monster storm caused widespread power outages, affecting over 1 million customers from New Mexico to the Northeast, complicating aviation recovery efforts.
- •Airlines issued system-wide travel waivers to manage the commercial aviation disruption, focusing on crew and aircraft repositioning for a slow recovery.
A massive weather event named Winter Storm Fern paralyzed the US aviation system over the weekend of January 24-26, 2026, leading to one of the most significant operational challenges since the start of the pandemic. The storm brought heavy snow, ice, and freezing rain across a vast area, stretching from the Southern Plains to New England. This severe weather impact resulted in more than 10,000 US flight cancellations on Sunday alone, according to flight-tracking data.
Unprecedented Operational Disruption
FlightAware data showed a grand total of 11,599 cancellations on Sunday, January 25. This figure accounted for over 92% of global cancellations that day. Between Saturday and early Monday, nearly 20,000 flights were canceled nationwide. This made it the most severe single-day disruption to the US aviation system since the COVID-19 pandemic began.
Major airport hubs were hit hardest by the storm. Dallas-Fort Worth International (DFW) and Charlotte Douglas (CLT) saw significant cancellation rates. New York metro airports—John F. Kennedy (JFK), LaGuardia (LGA), and Newark (EWR)—also faced major disruption. Ronald Reagan National Airport (DCA) canceled all flights on Sunday.
Airline Impact and Response
Several major carriers reported four-figure cancellation totals on Sunday. American Airlines experienced the worst impact, with nearly 1,900 flights canceled, representing 58% of its scheduled operations. Delta Air Lines, Southwest Airlines, and United Airlines each canceled over 1,000 flights.
In response to the widespread commercial aviation disruption, airlines quickly issued airline travel waivers. These waivers allowed passengers to change their plans without incurring penalties. Delta Air Lines, for example, offered waivers for travel to, from, or through dozens of affected cities between January 24-26, 2026. This proactive step helped mitigate passenger frustration.
- American Airlines was the most affected carrier, canceling 58% of its Sunday schedule.
- The storm's impact was not limited to air travel, as over 1 million customers across multiple states lost power.
- The FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) worked closely with airlines and airports to manage the flow of air traffic.
Recovery and Future Outlook
The storm's effects were compounded by dangerously cold temperatures. This frigid air followed the snow and ice, hindering recovery efforts. Crews battled treacherous runway conditions across the Northeast. The combination of snow and ice accumulation caused widespread power outages US, further complicating ground operations.
Forecasters warned of a catastrophic ice band stretching from Texas to North Carolina. This ice accumulation posed a significant risk to infrastructure. The aviation system recovery is expected to be slow, with residual delays continuing into the following week. Airlines must now work to reposition aircraft and crews. This complex logistical task is essential to restore normal schedules. The incident highlights the fragility of the US aviation infrastructure against extreme weather.
Travelers are urged to check their flight status directly with their carriers, such as American Airlines or Delta Air Lines. The FAA continues to monitor conditions and issue advisories for affected airspace.
For in-depth airline coverage and commercial aviation news, flying.flights delivers timely industry insights.
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.
Visit ProfileYou Might Also Like
Discover more aviation news based on similar topics
Canadian Airlines Resume Puerto Vallarta Flights Amid Security Concerns
Canadian carriers resumed flights to Puerto Vallarta after a temporary suspension due to regional violence, though some travelers have altered their plans.
National Aviation Strike Set to Disrupt Italian Air Travel on Feb 26
A 24-hour national aviation strike in Italy on Feb 26 will cause widespread flight cancellations, with ITA Airways grounding 55% of its scheduled service.
Delta Launches First Nonstop JFK-Malta Flights for Summer 2026
Delta Air Lines will launch its first nonstop service from JFK to Malta in June 2026, supported by a new Delta Vacations program for the destination.
Winter Storm Cancels Over 11,000 Flights in U.S. Northeast
A major winter storm in the U.S. Northeast forced airlines to cancel over 11,000 flights, grounding operations at major hubs like Boston and New York.
IndiGo Launches Belagavi-Navi Mumbai Flights from March 29
IndiGo will launch daily flights between Belagavi and Navi Mumbai from March 29, restoring a key regional route previously served by Star Air.
Canadian Airlines Resume Mexico Flights After Regional Violence Subsides
Canadian carriers resume flights to Puerto Vallarta as over 61,000 citizens register with Global Affairs Canada amid regional safety concerns.