Over 1900 Flights Delayed and Canceled Across US as American, Delta, Air Canada, United, JetBlue, Alaska, Southwest, Spirit and More Hit by New Bad Weather Disrupting Travel at EWR, PHL, SFO, and DCA Airports

Over 1900 flights were delayed and canceled across the United States as a fresh wave of bad weather swept through key travel hubs—disrupting operations for American, Delta, Air Canada, United, JetBlue, Alaska, Southwest, Spirit, and more—just as millions of passengers kicked off their Independence Day travel. Intense storms, lightning, and low visibility impacted airports in Newark, Philadelphia, San Francisco, and Reagan, where packed terminals, ramp closures, and delayed arrivals cascaded into nationwide gridlock. The sudden weather shift collided with already strained airline schedules during one of the busiest weekends of the summer, triggering widespread frustration and logistical chaos for both carriers and passengers.

This storm system, which has already been linked to dangerous conditions including tornado warnings, hail, and flash floods, has thrown airline schedules into disarray. As of Friday evening, travel tracker data shows a total of 1900 flight cancellations and delays nationwide. For airlines already operating near full capacity due to summer demand, the timing couldn’t be worse.

Newark Liberty: United and Republic Face Mounting Trouble

At Newark Liberty International Airport, the second-busiest hub for United Airlines, the weather chaos struck early and persisted throughout the day. Newark reported 189 flight delays and 25 cancellations, many of which affected United’s operations.

United had the highest disruption count at the airport, with 48 delays and 11 cancellations, followed by Republic Airways and GoJet Airlines, which operate regional connections under the United Express brand. Delta, Spirit, and Alaska Airlines also experienced schedule changes, adding to the cascading travel disruption in the Northeast corridor.

Passengers at Newark described hours-long waits at gates, scarce seating, and limited information on rebooking options. One traveler heading to Chicago said her 11 a.m. flight was pushed back to nearly 6 p.m., only to be eventually canceled as storm activity intensified.

Philadelphia International: American and PSA Airlines Hit Hard

Just south of Newark, Philadelphia International Airport recorded 141 delays and 28 cancellations, heavily affecting operations for American Airlines, which has a significant presence at the airport. American saw 43 flights delayed and 10 canceled, while PSA Airlines, operating under the American Eagle banner, had 12 cancellations and several more delays.

With thunderstorm cells moving across Pennsylvania and parts of New Jersey, ramp closures and lightning warnings forced ground crews to temporarily stop all activity, causing flight queues to build up fast. This left many passengers stuck on tarmacs for extended periods, as aircraft were unable to move to gates or begin pushback procedures.

Frontier, Piedmont, and Spirit Airlines also reported flight adjustments in Philadelphia, while incoming international connections from Canada and Mexico were held in holding patterns awaiting clearance.

San Francisco International: Fog and Storms Delay Transpacific Routes

On the West Coast, San Francisco International Airport (SFO) dealt with a dual challenge of marine fog and an incoming storm front, leading to 138 delays and 9 cancellations across both domestic and international carriers. United Airlines, which uses SFO as a major Pacific gateway, saw widespread delays in its long-haul routes to Asia and Australia.

Alaska Airlines and JetBlue struggled with regional departures to the Pacific Northwest and Southern California, while international carriers such as Air India, China Airlines, Emirates, and Qatar Airways also reported outbound delays ranging from one to three hours.

Several arriving flights from Asia were diverted to Los Angeles or Seattle due to a temporary closure of one runway at SFO caused by poor visibility and high crosswinds.

Reagan National: East Coast Storms Force Widespread Cancellations

In the nation’s capital, Reagan National Airport (DCA) was hit by violent thunderstorm bands, leading to 135 delays and 28 cancellations. The brunt of the impact was felt by Republic Airways, which scrapped 14 flights, followed by PSA Airlines, American, United, and JetBlue, all of whom operate heavily along the East Coast corridor.

Lightning strikes within airport radius forced multiple ramp closures, halting ground operations and backing up both departures and arrivals for several hours. The proximity of Reagan’s runways to the Potomac River also made the airport especially vulnerable to sudden wind gusts, triggering last-minute aborts and go-arounds for inbound flights.

Travelers attempting to connect through Reagan to cities like Charlotte, Atlanta, and New York found themselves stranded, with few available rebooking options left during the holiday surge.

More Major US Airports Report Widespread Delays and Cancellations

The impact of the latest wave of bad weather wasn’t limited to just Newark, Philadelphia, San Francisco, and Reagan. A broader picture reveals a deeper level of disruption at some of the country’s busiest aviation hubs—bringing the total to nearly 2,000 delays and cancellations nationwide.

At Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, the world’s busiest airport by passenger volume, operations buckled under the strain of heavy weather moving through the Southeast. Atlanta recorded a staggering 338 delays and 37 cancellations, the highest total disruptions of any U.S. airport yesterday. Delta Air Lines, which uses ATL as its main hub, faced operational gridlock, particularly during the late afternoon departure bank. Ground holds, ramp closures, and rerouted flights turned the concourses into scenes of long lines and frustrated travelers, many of whom missed connections or had to rebook for next-day flights.

Farther north, LaGuardia Airport in New York dealt with its own storm-linked challenges. With 215 delays and 48 cancellations, the airport’s operations were stretched thin as regional airlines like Republic Airways and Endeavor Air struggled to keep flights on schedule. Weather-sensitive short-haul routes bore the brunt of the disruption, while long waits at rebooking counters became an all-too-common sight.

Across the river at John F. Kennedy International Airport, the domino effect was just as severe. JFK logged 160 delays and 38 cancellations, impacting not only domestic routes but also long-haul international services. Airlines like JetBlue and American Airlines scrambled to rearrange departure slots amid lightning advisories and low cloud ceilings that pushed operations well past midnight.

Meanwhile, Boston Logan International Airport saw weather-related snarls ripple through the day. With 204 delays and 14 cancellations, the airport faced consistent slowdowns as scattered thunderstorms and poor visibility delayed both takeoffs and landings. JetBlue, the airport’s largest carrier, saw rolling delays stack up into the evening hours, while smaller airlines like Cape Air struggled with route suspensions altogether.

In Washington, D.C., Reagan National Airport experienced another punishing weather day. Intense afternoon storms caused 135 delays and 28 cancellations, impacting both short and mid-range flights along the East Coast. With ramp crews repeatedly pulled off the tarmac due to lightning, delays snowballed quickly across major carriers like American, United, and Delta.

Philadelphia International Airport continued to suffer under volatile conditions, particularly on its busy regional routes. With 141 delays and 28 cancellations, airlines serving the Northeast corridor found themselves at a standstill. American Airlines saw operational headwinds throughout the day, while regional affiliates like Piedmont and PSA struggled to rotate aircraft through congested gates.

Dallas–Fort Worth International Airport, one of the largest airline hubs in the South, also endured weather-driven setbacks. While the central U.S. wasn’t the hardest hit, storm systems pushing out of the Southeast impacted DFW’s arrival flow. The airport registered 202 delays and 12 cancellations, largely from American Airlines’ extensive domestic network. Some delays reached over three hours as crews were repositioned and storm bands passed over Texas.

Out west, San Francisco International Airport continued to battle its dual threat of summer fog and storm turbulence. The airport saw 138 delays and 9 cancellations, affecting domestic operations as well as key international departures. Airlines such as Alaska, United, and Emirates reported delayed takeoffs as low visibility triggered approach path changes and extended taxi times. Passengers bound for Asia and Canada experienced particularly long wait times.

Airlines Across the Board Struggle to Stay on Schedule

Beyond the four most affected airports, major carriers were hit across their networks. Delta Air Lines, operating out of both Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson and New York JFK, saw over 250 delays systemwide, while American Airlines logged over 90 delays across hubs including Dallas-Fort Worth, Charlotte, and Miami.

JetBlue, headquartered in New York, faced over 150 delays between JFK, Boston Logan, and Reagan. Southwest Airlines, which prides itself on fast turnarounds and high daily flight volumes, suffered schedule slips across major airports, particularly in San Francisco, Philadelphia, and Boston.

Alaska Airlines, which operates primarily in the western U.S., dealt with disruption not just in San Francisco, but also in Seattle and Portland, where connecting flights experienced knock-on delays due to late arrivals from affected cities.

Low-cost airlines like Frontier and Spirit were not spared either. Frontier faced delays and cancellations at nearly every major hub it serves, including Philadelphia, Dallas, and Denver, while Spirit Airlines struggled to maintain schedules at LaGuardia, Newark, and Boston.

Canadian Carriers and Cross-Border Flights Also Impacted

Air Canada and WestJet, the two dominant Canadian airlines, also felt the effects of the U.S. weather crisis. Air Canada reported significant delays on routes between Toronto, Montreal, and U.S. cities like Newark, Philadelphia, and San Francisco. Several Air Canada flights were delayed by over three hours due to inbound aircraft being grounded by lightning warnings and low visibility.

WestJet encountered delays into East Coast cities from Calgary and Vancouver, as the ripple effects of U.S. storms disrupted available gate slots and air traffic sequencing.

With Canada Day and U.S. Independence Day overlapping in terms of travel period, the weekend was already projected to be one of the busiest of the summer — and the weather has only intensified the challenge.

The Meteorological Picture: Storms and Snow in Late June

The NOAA Storm Prediction Center placed much of the Upper Midwest, including Minnesota, North Dakota, and Wisconsin, under a Level 3 out of 5 risk zone, with conditions favoring the development of supercell thunderstorms and possible tornadoes. The combination of a high-pressure heat dome in the central U.S. and a sharp upper-level jet stream dip has created the perfect atmospheric setup for violent weather outbreaks.

In the Northern Rockies, particularly around Glacier National Park in Montana, the forecast turned even more bizarre — with winter storm warnings and up to 18 inches of snow expected at elevations above 6,000 feet. Some sections of the famed Going-to-the-Sun Road were under threat of closure again, just days after opening for the summer season.

The wild weather pattern, stretching from Montana’s mountains to the Atlantic Seaboard, has made flight planning nearly impossible for airlines trying to operate on already stretched schedules.

Airlines Issue Waivers and Urge Flexibility

In response, most major airlines have issued weather waivers, allowing passengers traveling through affected regions to rebook flights without penalties. Airlines also deployed extra customer service agents, but many travelers reported long lines, system outages, and difficulty accessing support through apps or websites.

Delta, American, and United encouraged flyers to arrive early, remain flexible, and monitor flight status frequently, especially for those traveling through Northeast or California airports.

Airport officials advised passengers to check TSA wait times, which have also spiked due to heavy travel volume. At some terminals, lines were seen stretching into parking areas during the Friday evening peak.

What’s Next: More Disruptions Expected Through the Weekend

Unfortunately for those still planning to fly out over the weekend, the weather may not cooperate. Forecasters expect continued storm activity through Saturday and Sunday, with strong thunderstorms and wind shear predicted for the Midwest and East Coast. Delays and cancellations are likely to continue, particularly for connecting flights.

Airlines are warning passengers not to assume their flight is safe just because weather looks clear at departure points. Disruptions at major hub airports — like Newark, Reagan, or SFO — can create a domino effect that delays flights hours or even days later at smaller airports across the country.

LaGuardia Airport (LGA) – Total: 215 Delays, 48 Cancellations

• Republic Airways: 23 canceled, 40 delayed – Among the hardest-hit regional carriers at LGA.
• Delta Air Lines: 15 canceled, 28 delayed – Significant disruptions on short-haul routes.
• Endeavor Air: 4 canceled, 55 delayed – Delta’s regional partner severely affected.
• United Airlines: 2 canceled, 1 delayed – Minimal disruption but still impacted.
• Spirit Airlines: 1 canceled – Affected mostly by isolated weather pockets.
• American Airlines: 1 canceled, 11 delayed – Delays clustered around Northeast routes.
• JetBlue: 21 delayed – Weather caused rolling delays across East Coast routes.
• Southwest Airlines: 18 delayed – Systemwide backup from other affected cities.
• Frontier Airlines: 1 delayed – Low presence but still caught in network-wide ripple.
• Virgin Atlantic, WestJet, Republic (duplicate): 1 delayed each.

Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta Intl (ATL) – Total: 338 Delays, 37 Cancellations

• Delta Air Lines: 26 canceled, 164 delayed – The single largest disruption at any hub.
• Frontier Airlines: 3 canceled, 12 delayed – Regional storm bands slowed turnarounds.
• PSA Airlines: 2 canceled – Severe weather limited short-haul departures.
• American Airlines: 1 canceled, 4 delayed – Disruptions mainly on connecting legs.
• Republic Airways: 1 canceled – Affected by East Coast lightning alerts.
• Endeavor Air: 24 delayed – Regional feeder delays radiated out of ATL.
• JetBlue, Spirit, SkyWest, Aeroméxico Connect, Alaska, Envoy, United, Avelo, Air Canada, Air France, Sun Country: Delays ranging from 1 to 20 flights per airline.
• Ethiopian Airlines: 1 delayed – Long-haul departure pushed due to gate hold.

John F. Kennedy International (JFK) – Total: 160 Delays, 38 Cancellations

• Republic Airways: 13 canceled, 11 delayed – Deep impact on regional JFK links.
• Delta Air Lines: 8 canceled, 37 delayed – Struggled with East Coast weather bands.
• JetBlue Airways: 3 canceled, 30 delayed – Delays clustered on Florida and Caribbean routes.
• Endeavor Air: 3 canceled, 12 delayed – Affected by backlog from LaGuardia as well.
• Air France, Virgin Atlantic, Alaska, American: 1–2 canceled, light delays.
• International Airlines Delayed:
  • Etihad Airways: 2 delayed
  • Cathay Pacific, Qatar Airways, KLM, Korean Air, XiamenAir, Swiss, Avianca Cargo: 1 delayed each
  • Singapore Airlines, EgyptAir, Air India, British Airways, Aer Lingus UK, EVA Air: 1 delayed each

Reagan National (DCA) – Total: 135 Delays, 28 Cancellations

• Republic Airways: 14 canceled, 8 delayed – Again leading disruptions.
• PSA Airlines: 7 canceled, 24 delayed – Heavy delays on D.C. regional links.
• Delta Air Lines: 3 canceled, 8 delayed – Hit by systemwide storms.
• American Airlines: 2 canceled, 12 delayed – Key DCA hub operations impacted.
• United Airlines: 2 canceled, 4 delayed – Regional Northeast schedules affected.
• JetBlue: 10 delayed – High holding times from NE corridor congestion.
• Alaska Airlines, GoJet, Endeavor, Southwest: Light delays in the range of 2–15 flights.

Boston Logan International (BOS) – Total: 204 Delays, 14 Cancellations

• Republic Airways: 5 canceled, 18 delayed – Most impacted regional operator at BOS.
• Delta Air Lines: 3 canceled, 20 delayed – Weather-related rerouting to alternate airports.
• JetBlue Airways: 1 canceled, 40 delayed – Hit hard on its Boston-based routes.
• Southwest Airlines: 1 canceled, 9 delayed – Rolling delays from earlier network impacts.
• Cape Air: 1 canceled, 27 delayed – Light aircraft highly vulnerable to weather.
• Porter Airlines, Frontier, United, American, Spirit, Boutique Air: Delays from 1–12 flights.
• ITA Airways, Air France, Air Canada, Allegiant Air, Korean Air, Sata Internacional: 1–4 delayed each, often transatlantic.

Philadelphia International (PHL) – Total: 141 Delays, 28 Cancellations

• PSA Airlines: 12 canceled, 6 delayed – Local storm impact and rerouting.
• American Airlines: 10 canceled, 43 delayed – Major disruptions on holiday-heavy routes.
• Frontier Airlines: 4 canceled, 10 delayed – Struggled with short-haul coverage.
• Republic Airways: 1 canceled, 4 delayed – Regional impact.
• Piedmont Airlines: 20 delayed – Mainly affected regional commuter services.
• Spirit, JetBlue, United, Discover, Jazz, Mesa, Southwest: All reported multiple delays between 1–5 flights.

Newark Liberty International (EWR) – Total: 189 Delays, 25 Cancellations

• United Airlines: 11 canceled, 48 delayed – Top disrupted airline at EWR.
• Republic Airways: 7 canceled, 13 delayed – Hit repeatedly by lightning ground stops.
• GoJet Airlines: 2 canceled, 12 delayed – Regional connections severely affected.
• Delta Air Lines: 2 canceled, 9 delayed – Ripple effect from JFK and LaGuardia.
• Airlines with 1–4 delays each: Spirit, Frontier, JetBlue, Alaska, PAL Airlines, Dreamjet, Singapore Airlines, Arajet, WestJet, Air Canada, Air Premia.

Dallas–Fort Worth International (DFW) – Total: 202 Delays, 12 Cancellations

• PSA Airlines: 4 canceled, 6 delayed – Impacting regional Texas and Oklahoma routes.
• Delta Air Lines: 3 canceled, 8 delayed – Routes to Southeast hit hardest.
• Frontier Airlines: 2 canceled, 4 delayed – Major delay hotspots for ultra-low-cost carriers.
• American Airlines: 93 delayed – Largest single delay count at DFW.
• United, Spirit, Alaska, Envoy, SkyWest, Sun Country, Qantas, Qatar Airways, Aeroméxico, Emirates, Volaris, Key Lime Air: 1–6 delays each.

San Francisco International (SFO) – Total: 138 Delays, 9 Cancellations

• Alaska Airlines: 3 canceled, 7 delayed – Bay Area fog plus incoming storm system.
• United Airlines: 2 canceled, 30 delayed – Long-haul and domestic alike suffered.
• JetBlue: 1 canceled, 4 delayed – California weather grounded multiple runs.
• Hawaiian Airlines: 1 canceled – Island return leg halted.
• Southwest Airlines: 16 delayed – Affected by early-day arrival gaps.
• Delta, SkyWest, American, China Airlines, Emirates, EVA Air, Air India, Japan Airlines, Korean Air, Asiana, Air Premia, ZIPAIR: 1–6 delayed each, mostly outbound.

Over 1900 flights were delayed and canceled across the US as severe weather hit major airports like Newark, Philadelphia, SFO, and Reagan, overwhelming airlines during the peak Independence Day travel surge. American, Delta, United, JetBlue, and others faced widespread disruptions as storms grounded flights, delayed crews, and crippled already packed holiday schedules.

A Stress Test for the Summer Travel System

This week’s weather crisis has become a stress test for the U.S. air travel system, which is already strained by pilot shortages, packed flights, and rising demand. The combination of severe weather, high passenger loads, and limited flexibility in airline schedules has created the perfect storm for mass disruption.

For travelers, the lesson is clear: travel early, stay updated, and always have a Plan B — especially when flying during peak holiday periods.

As the July Fourth holiday approaches, this chaotic start serves as a sharp reminder of just how vulnerable the air travel system remains to forces beyond anyone’s control.