The United States is currently grappling with widespread travel disruptions caused by ferocious storms that have wreaked havoc at several major airports, including Chicago O’Hare and Reagan National. Torrential rain, high winds, and low visibility have taken a toll on air travel, resulting in mass delays and cancellations, particularly affecting operations at American and United Airlines.
Amidst the chaos, Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport has emerged as one of the hardest-hit locations, with 197 flight delays and an alarming 99 cancellations. The airport faced persistent thunderstorms and low visibility, which impeded airside operations throughout the day. These conditions created cascading delays, impacting regional connections.
In Atlanta, Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport reported 307 delays and 9 cancellations due to a batch of severe storms and heavy cloud cover. Lightning warnings forced temporary halts to airside operations, exacerbating the travel turmoil.
Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport followed closely behind, recording 364 delays and 8 cancellations. Intermittent downpours and gusty winds disrupted aircraft handling, leading to increased congestion on runways and taxiways during peak travel hours.
Denver International Airport faced the highest number of delays nationwide, with 531 reported along with 8 cancellations. The airport struggled with a mix of intense heat, shifting winds, and sporadic thunder activity, which hampered both inbound and outbound flights.
At Chicago O’Hare International Airport, operations were severely affected with 525 delays and 77 cancellations, marking it as the most disrupted airport based on cancellations. Conditions such as fog, low cloud cover, and heavy rain produced poor visibility, contributing to ground congestion as well.
Los Angeles International Airport saw 191 delays and 8 cancellations. Morning operations were hindered by a marine layer and cloudiness, significantly affecting flights in the late afternoon as well.
Meanwhile, Charlotte Douglas International Airport encountered 172 delays and 18 cancellations due to localized thunderstorms. Ramp closures and late aircraft positioning contributed to the ongoing issues.
In Orlando, passengers faced 259 delays and 9 cancellations due to rapid storm buildups and unpredictable lightning activity. This led to frequent flight rescheduling and extended holding patterns, increasing the uncertainty for travelers.
Harry Reid International Airport in Las Vegas recorded 133 delays and 5 cancellations. Extreme desert temperatures combined with windy conditions impacted equipment performance and increased turnaround times. At Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, 148 delays and 4 cancellations were noted, where high temperatures exceeded airport tarmac limits during busy departure windows.
Miami International Airport also felt the effects, with 289 delays and 4 cancellations attributed to summer rain showers and humid weather, which complicated flight preparations and staggered departures.
Seattle-Tacoma International Airport logged 133 delays and 2 cancellations, mainly due to coastal fog and cloudy skies that reduced visibility during peak hours. John F. Kennedy International Airport experienced slow-moving storm systems near the New York metro area resulting in 229 delays and 50 cancellations. The stacking situations created by weather limited the number of available arrival slots.
Newark Liberty International Airport witnessed 241 delays and 37 cancellations due to converging weather patterns that caused visibility issues, further congesting arrival schedules. San Francisco International Airport faced 110 delays and 5 cancellations as foggy conditions led to slower departures and go-arounds for incoming flights.
Boston Logan International Airport recorded 208 delays and 27 cancellations caused by isolated thunderstorms and heavy rainfall in the surrounding region, leading to missed connections and delayed turnarounds. Additionally, Houston George Bush Intercontinental Airport reported 140 delays and just 1 cancellation, with flash rain showers causing critical slowdowns during early morning hours.
Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport encountered 178 delays and 3 cancellations due to late-afternoon thunderstorms which disrupted evening departures and connections to other U.S. hubs. Detroit Metro Wayne County Airport saw 138 delays and 10 cancellations amid passing rain cells that caused disruptions during peak arrival periods.
Philadelphia International Airport recorded 167 delays and 21 cancellations as decreased visibility due to weather along the Eastern Seaboard led to gate conflicts during busy traffic. In Fort Lauderdale, brief but frequent coastal showers resulted in 73 delays and 6 cancellations, primarily impacting short-haul operations.
Here is a more detailed overview of the significant disruptions at key airports:
At Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA), total delays amounted to 197, with 99 cancellations. Affected airlines included American Airlines with 55 delays (35%), Southwest with 30 delays (32%), and Delta Air Lines with 16 delays (30%).
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) reported 307 delays with only 9 cancellations. Major disruptions were noted at one airline with 170 delays (10%), followed by Endeavor Air with 40 delays (22%) and American Airlines with 17 delays (35%).
In Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW), 364 total delays were reported alongside 8 cancellations. The most affected airline had 239 delays (21%), followed by Envoy Air with 46 delays (8%) and Delta with 15 delays (21%).
Denver International Airport (DEN) saw 531 delays and 8 cancellations, with one major airline recording 256 delays (44%). United had 142 delays (21%) and SkyWest faced 72 delays (16%).
Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) recorded 525 delays and 77 cancellations, mainly affecting United and American Airlines with 127 (20%) and 107 delays (25%) respectively.
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) reported 191 delays and 8 cancellations. American Airlines faced 48 delays (23%), while Delta and United experienced 26 delays each (12%).
Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) encountered 172 delays and 18 cancellations, predominantly affecting American Airlines with 94 delays (12%).
In Orlando (MCO), the total delays reached 259, with 9 cancellations. Southwest Airlines saw the most impact with 86 delays (31%).
Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) reported 148 delays and 4 cancellations, majorly affecting Southwest with 68 delays (17%).
John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) faced 229 delays and 50 cancellations, particularly affecting JetBlue with 92 delays (25%).
Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) recorded 241 delays and 37 cancellations, the most affected being United with 108 delays (19%).
Several other airports across the USA are also seeing significant operational slowdowns owing to ongoing severe weather. It is strongly advised that passengers monitor their flight statuses regularly, as the situation continues to evolve.
Looking ahead, sustained summer storms and infrastructure stress could potentially spark further disruptions in ongoing air travel. Travelers are urged to remain vigilant and seek updates as the situation develops in the days to come.
image source from：travelandtourworld
