Airports in Atlanta, Chicago, New York, Dallas and several other cities witnessed thousands of delays and hundreds of cancellations in a single day.
Over 4,000 flights were delayed and dozens were cancelled, affecting the operations of major airlines including Delta, American Airlines, United Airlines, Southwest and SkyWest.
Aviation tracking data revealed 4,231 delayed departures and arrivals along with 79 cancellations, as of April 20.
Some of the country’s busiest airports, like Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport, O’Hare International Airport, Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport, San Francisco International Airport and Newark Liberty International Airport, along with airports in New York, faced widespread disruption.
Which airports are most affected
Today, Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport recorded 121 delays and 13 cancellations, the highest number of cancellations for the day. Chicago O’Hare reported 337 delays and 6 cancellations, while Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta saw 290 delays and 4 cancellations.
In New York City, John F Kennedy International Airport recorded 123 delays and 5 cancellations. Miami International Airport saw 130 delays and 3 cancellations, while Los Angeles International Airport reported 162 delays and 2 cancellations. Dallas/Fort Worth recorded 319 delays and 1 cancellation.
O’Hare International Airport, one of the busiest in the country, saw 43 cancellations and 181 delays, while Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport reported 7 cancellations and 379 delays as of April 18.
Major airlines affected by the disruptions
Today, Southwest Airlines was the most affected, reporting 730 delays and 2 cancellations. American Airlines saw 542 delays and 2 cancellations, while Delta Air Lines recorded 422 delays and 9 cancellations. SkyWest Airlines reported 345 delays and 10 cancellations, and United Airlines saw 228 delays and 11 cancellations.
On April 18, SkyWest Airlines was among the worst affected, reporting 36 cancellations and 138 delays. United Airlines followed with 21 cancellations and 115 delays, while Delta Air Lines recorded 7 cancellations and 114 delays. Envoy Air cancelled 7 flights and delayed 86, while American Airlines saw 5 cancellations but 341 delays.
Major causes for delay and cancellations
One of the major causes for the delay is the bad weather. Earlier this season, bad weather caused over 12,000 delays and cancellations in a single day. On April 19, unstable spring weather made things worse. Thunderstorms, low clouds and changing winds forced air traffic controllers to slow down operations.
Another reason is the heavy congestion at major hubs like O’Hare International Airport, where flight schedules are stretching airport capacity. At the same time, airlines are dealing with their own operational challenges such as tight aircraft rotations, crew availability issues and overbooked schedules.
How to check flight status in real time?
Go directly to your airline’s website or app.
Enter your flight number or route and you’ll see departure/arrival time, delay status, gate info and boarding updates.
