Home » Airlines News of United States » Thousands of Passengers Stranded in United States as Delta, Spirit, SkyWest, United, JetBlue and More Airlines Cancel 196 Flights and Delay 2,563 at Miami, Philadelphia, New York, Chicago, San Francisco and Others
Published on
February 16, 2026
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Thousands of passengers are stranded in the United States as major airlines, including Delta, Spirit, SkyWest, United, JetBlue, and more, cancel 196 flights and delay 2,563 across several airports. Miami, Philadelphia, New York, Chicago, San Francisco, and many other cities have become the epicenters of these travel disruptions. The severe weather and high airport congestion are taking a toll on passengers, leaving many with lengthy waits or cancelled trips. With 196 flights cancelled and 2,563 delayed, airports are struggling to manage the high volume of affected travelers. As passengers face uncertainty, the situation continues to unfold across some of the busiest US airports.
If you are traveling through any of these major cities, it’s important to stay updated on flight statuses and prepare for possible extended delays. Keep checking your airline’s updates to avoid further inconvenience.
Major US Travel Disruptions Impacting Airlines and Airports
As of today, travelers across the United States are experiencing significant disruptions, with a combination of weather-related delays, airport congestion, and airline-specific issues affecting hundreds of flights. The storm sweeping through the northeastern US is exacerbating the situation, bringing snow and rain to major cities like New York, Washington D.C., and Philadelphia, causing delays and cancellations at various airports. Additionally, widespread congestion at key hubs such as Chicago O’Hare, Fort Lauderdale, and San Francisco is further contributing to the chaos.
Total Delays and Cancellations Across the United States
The total number of delayed flights within, into, or out of the United States today has reached a staggering 2,563, while 196 flights have been cancelled due to a variety of factors, including weather conditions and heavy airport traffic. With airports like Chicago O’Hare (ORD) and San Francisco (SFO) already seeing significant disruption, passengers across the country are bracing for more uncertainty as the storm moves eastward.
Storm-Related Delays and Ground Holds
A major storm is currently affecting the northeastern United States, bringing snow to parts of the Interstate-95 corridor as it moves through the region. This weather event is expected to bring snow accumulations of up to 1 inch in some areas, with up to 3 inches in others, particularly on grassy and elevated surfaces. These weather conditions are contributing to significant delays and cancellations, especially in New York City, Philadelphia, and Washington D.C.
In addition to the storm, several airports are facing ground delays. San Francisco International Airport (SFO), for example, is experiencing an average delay of 142 minutes due to wind, while Chicago O’Hare (ORD) is seeing average delays of 29 minutes due to airport volume. As the storm progresses, these disruptions could spread to other airports across the northeast and mid-Atlantic.
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Affected Airports, Cities, and Airlines
Based on the data provided, several major airports and airlines are heavily affected by delays and cancellations. Some of the busiest and most impacted airports include:
Chicago O’Hare (ORD), where a total of 20 cancellations and 230 delays have been recorded.San Francisco International (SFO), which has experienced 15 cancellations and 278 delays.Fort Lauderdale International (FLL), where 20 cancellations and 137 delays have been logged.
Airlines most impacted by these disruptions include:
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Delta Air Lines, with 56 cancellations and 197 delays.Spirit Airlines, which has seen 37 cancellations and 91 delays.SkyWest Airlines, which is dealing with 21 cancellations and 294 delays.
These figures highlight the widespread impact of the storm and congestion issues across the US, with travelers from both the east and west coasts experiencing delays. New York City and Chicago have become key hotspots for air travel disruptions, while cities like Los Angeles, Miami, and Dallas also report scattered delays.
What Affected Passengers Can Do Now
For those affected by the ongoing disruptions, there are several steps passengers can take to minimize the impact of these delays and cancellations:
Check Flight Status Regularly: Passengers should regularly check with their airline or flight tracking websites for the most up-to-date information on their flights. Cancellations may change as the situation evolves.Contact Airlines for Rebooking: For flights that have been cancelled, passengers should contact their airline as soon as possible to inquire about rebooking or available compensation options. Many airlines offer rebooking assistance and, in some cases, hotel accommodations.Prepare for Extended Waits at Airports: Given the severity of delays, passengers should be prepared for long waits at airports. It’s advisable to bring along food, entertainment, and other essentials to pass the time.Stay Updated on Weather Conditions: Travelers should stay informed about weather conditions, particularly in regions that are experiencing snow and ice. Keep an eye on local advisories, as storms may lead to further disruptions.Conclusion
With total delays at over 2,500 and 196 cancellations across the United States today, travelers are facing significant disruptions. The ongoing storm in the northeast, coupled with airport congestion, is causing widespread delays and cancellations, especially in major hubs like Chicago, San Francisco, and Fort Lauderdale. For those with upcoming flights, staying updated and in contact with airlines is crucial to navigate the current travel chaos. Passengers are encouraged to remain flexible and prepare for further adjustments as the storm continues to affect travel in the coming days.
Source: FlightAware and affected airports
