Winter Storm Triggers Widespread Flight Cancellations Across U.S. as Airlines Urge Travelers to Rebook

A major winter storm is causing significant disruptions to U.S. air travel, prompting airlines to cancel hundreds of flights and urge passengers to reschedule weekend travel plans. Delta Air Lines warned travelers on Friday that severe weather conditions could force widespread flight cancellations and delays, particularly across key regions in the central and eastern United States.

The storm, bringing a dangerous mix of snow, ice, freezing rain, and strong winds, is impacting major airline hubs and regional airports throughout the South, Midwest, and East Coast. Delta said customers should expect cancellations in the Ohio and Tennessee Valleys, including airports in Nashville and Raleigh–Durham, as the storm intensifies during one of the busiest winter travel periods.

On Thursday alone, Delta canceled flights at multiple airports across five states, cautioning that slow operations could lead to further delays and make rebooking more challenging. Aviation analytics firm Cirium reported that nearly two-thirds of the 815 flights scheduled to depart Dallas–Fort Worth International Airport on Saturday have been canceled, highlighting the scale of the disruption.

Other airlines are also adjusting operations. American Airlines announced it would add more than 3,200 additional seats to and from its Dallas–Fort Worth hub between Friday and Sunday in an effort to accommodate displaced travelers and ease congestion caused by cancellations.

The National Weather Service warned that hazardous travel conditions could persist across the Southeast, where freezing rain and sleet may lead to power outages, fallen trees, and icy roads. Heavier snowfall is expected farther north as the storm system moves across the country, further threatening air and ground travel.

Airlines are strongly advising passengers to monitor flight status closely and use airline mobile apps or official websites for the fastest rebooking options. With winter storms continuing to disrupt travel nationwide, many travelers have already begun adjusting plans to avoid last-minute cancellations and delays.