Home » Airlines News of United States » Thousands of Travelers Stuck in US as Republic, Southwest, Spirit, United and More Airlines Face 2,791 Delays and 159 Cancellations in Chicago, Los Angeles, Washingtin D.C., Austin, New York, Fort Lauderdale
Published on
March 30, 2026
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Thousands of travelers are stuck across the U.S. today as major airlines, including Republic, Southwest, Spirit, and United, face a staggering 2,791 delays and 159 cancellations. The disruptions are hitting airports in Chicago, Los Angeles, Washington D.C., Austin, New York, and Fort Lauderdale, leaving many passengers stranded. The combination of extreme weather conditions and high passenger volume has caused chaos, with travelers facing longer wait times and uncertain travel plans. As delays continue to mount, those flying with Republic, Southwest, Spirit, and United are particularly impacted, with multiple airports across major cities struggling to keep up with the volume of affected flights.
With disruptions affecting such a wide network, travelers should brace for further delays and cancellations while airports and airlines work to resolve the issues. Passengers are advised to stay updated on their flight status and rebooking options.
Total Disruptions: A Snapshot of the Current Situation
As of today, there have been 2,791 total delays and 159 cancellations within, into, or out of the United States. This disruption is primarily caused by a mix of operational issues and extreme weather conditions that have significantly impacted both domestic and international flights.
Airports and Airlines AffectedAirports:LaGuardia (LGA) has experienced ground delays, with average delays of 189 minutes due to a combination of operational issues and external factors.Chicago O’Hare (ORD), Fort Lauderdale (FLL), and Los Angeles International (LAX) are among the busiest hubs facing moderate to severe delays, with average delays ranging from 30 to 45 minutes.Hartsfield-Jackson (ATL), Boston Logan (BOS), and John F. Kennedy (JFK) are also seeing departures affected by delays of around 30 to 45 minutes.AirportCancellations (#)Delays (#)LaGuardia (LGA)101277Chicago O’Hare Intl (ORD)8242Fort Lauderdale Intl (FLL)5256Hartsfield-Jackson Intl (ATL)4142Los Angeles Intl (LAX)6134Boston Logan Intl (BOS)12103John F Kennedy Intl (JFK)6100Reagan National (DCA)1181San Francisco Intl (SFO)583Houston Bush Intercontinental (IAH)572Dallas-Fort Worth Intl (DFW)370Orlando Intl (MCO)257Phoenix Sky Harbor Intl (PHX)242Detroit Metro Wayne Co (DTW)331Raleigh-Durham Intl (RDU)728Anchorage Intl (ANC)624Tampa Intl (TPA)322Austin-Bergstrom Intl (AUS)225Seattle-Tacoma Intl (SEA)220Cleveland-Hopkins Intl (CLE)311Indianapolis Intl (IND)212John Glenn Columbus Intl (CMH)215Washington Dulles Intl (IAD)214Norfolk Intl (ORF)714Frederick W Smith Intl/Memphis (MEM)69Newark Liberty Intl (EWR)233Airlines:Airlines like Southwest, American Airlines, Spirit, and United are facing the brunt of the disruptions, with Southwest Airlines seeing over 500 delays today.Republic Airlines and Endeavor Air (DAL) have reported significant operational delays as well. These airlines have faced difficulties managing the heavy volume of passengers, particularly at busy hubs like Chicago O’Hare (ORD) and Fort Lauderdale (FLL).AirlineCancellations (#)Delays (#)Republic48115Endeavor Air (DAL)2939Spirit13176United11188Southwest7500Alaska Airlines660Delta Air Lines5224JetBlue499Frontier474PSA Airlines (AAL)434American Airlines2417Mesa (UAL)26Breeze Airways15SkyWest1137Causes of the Disruptions: Weather and VolumeKey Airport Disruptions:APF: Departure delays, average of 45 minutes (increasing) due to volume-related congestion.FLL: Departure delays, average of 30 minutes (increasing) due to weather and volume.HOU: Ground stop due to unspecified reasons.LGA: Ground delay with an average delay of 189 minutes due to weather and other operational factors.MCO: Departure delays, average of 30 minutes (increasing) due to weather and volume.MIA: Departure delays, average of 30 minutes (increasing) due to weather and volume.OPF: Departure delays, average of 45 minutes (increasing) due to compacted demand.PHX: Departure delays, average of 45 minutes (increasing) due to compacted demand.RSW: Departure delays, average of 45 minutes (increasing) due to volume-related congestion.SUA: Departure delays, average of 15 minutes (increasing) due to thunderstorms.Weather-Related Impact
In addition to high passenger volume, the ongoing weather events across the U.S. have played a significant role in flight delays and disruptions. The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued red flag warnings across 13 states due to unseasonably warm temperatures, which have been exacerbated by strong winds. The combination of high temperatures, low humidity, and gusty winds has created an elevated fire risk in many areas, including Southwest Wyoming, Colorado, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Texas.
The NWS reports that temperatures have reached mid-60s to low-70s in affected regions, with wind gusts reaching speeds of up to 45 mph. This extreme heat has resulted in a massive heatwave across the western and central United States, breaking numerous temperature records. The most intense heatwave in over a decade has contributed to disruptions across air travel, as weather delays affect airport operations.
What Affected Passengers Can Do Now
For passengers affected by these disruptions, there are a few steps they can take to minimize inconvenience:
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Check for Updates: Stay updated with real-time flight information on airport websites or through airline apps. Airlines will typically send alerts about delays and cancellations, as well as rebooking options.Rebook Flights: If your flight is delayed or cancelled, contact the airline directly for rebooking. Many airlines offer online rebooking options or allow passengers to change their flight through their mobile app.Prepare for Extended Wait Times: With 2,791 total delays today, passengers should be prepared for long waiting times at airports. It’s advisable to bring snacks, entertainment, and any essentials to stay comfortable during the wait.Alternative Airports: Consider checking if other nearby airports may have fewer delays or cancellations. If feasible, booking a flight from a different airport may offer quicker alternatives.Seek Compensation: Airlines may offer compensation for significant delays or cancellations, including meal vouchers, hotel accommodations, or travel credits. Make sure to inquire about these options at the airline’s customer service desk.Conclusion
The current wave of travel disruptions is significantly affecting U.S. airports, with 2,791 delays and 159 cancellations across the country. Passengers traveling through major hubs like LaGuardia, Chicago O’Hare, and Fort Lauderdale should prepare for long waits and possible rebooking. Weather events, including red flag warnings, combined with high flight volumes, are causing a strain on operations. Affected travelers should stay informed, reach out to their airlines, and make the most of available rebooking and compensation options as they navigate the delays.
Source: FlightAware
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