|
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
|
June 24, 2025
A powerful weather system swept across the United States on Tuesday, triggering a wave of delays and cancellations that affected more than 1,200 flights nationwide. High winds and storm activity disrupted operations at key airports including Dallas-Fort Worth, Boston, Houston, San Francisco, Newark, JFK, LaGuardia, Philadelphia, and Washington Reagan, throwing both domestic and international schedules into disarray.
Major carriers—United, American, Delta, JetBlue, Southwest, Air Canada, Emirates, Qatar Airways, Virgin Atlantic, Turkish Airlines, Japan Airlines, and others—were significantly impacted. Passengers were left stranded or rerouted, as tarmac backups, gate shortages, and weather-imposed safety constraints stretched airline and airport resources.
Summary of Disruptions by Airport
| Airport | Total Delays | Total Cancellations | Notable Airlines Affected |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) | 249 | 18 | American (128 delays), PSA (28 delays, 15 cancellations), Envoy, Qatar Airways, Emirates |
| Boston Logan (BOS) | 118 | 8 | JetBlue (39 delays), Cape Air (6 cancellations), Air France, Lufthansa |
| Houston Bush (IAH) | 117 | 6 | United (47 delays), CommuteAir (29 delays), British Airways, Emirates |
| San Francisco (SFO) | 100 | 4 | United (38 delays), Qatar Airways, China Airlines, Virgin Atlantic |
| Newark Liberty (EWR) | 102 | 9 | United (44 delays, 7 cancellations), Turkish, Air India, British Airways |
| John F. Kennedy (JFK) | 109 | 5 | JetBlue (43 delays), Delta, Emirates, Qatar Airways, LATAM Brasil |
| LaGuardia (LGA) | 121 | 3 | Delta (15 delays), Republic (29 delays), Air Canada |
| Philadelphia (PHL) | 80 | 4 | American (31 delays, 4 cancellations), Frontier, Spirit |
| Reagan National (DCA) | 138 | 4 | PSA (73 delays), Southwest, JetBlue, American Airlines |
Airport Highlights
Dallas-Fort Worth International (DFW)
The epicenter of the chaos, DFW experienced severe wind gusts that hindered takeoffs and landings. American Airlines bore the brunt, with cascading delays across its national network. International departures by Qantas, Emirates, and Air France were pushed back due to tarmac gridlock, while several aircraft waited over an hour for gate clearance.
Boston Logan International (BOS)
Windy conditions and Northeast corridor instability led to significant delays. JetBlue and Cape Air were hit hardest, while transatlantic flights to Europe faced delays of up to three hours. Terminal congestion amplified passenger frustrations.
Houston Bush Intercontinental (IAH)
Crosswinds and storm remnants delayed operations at IAH, where United Airlines and partners like CommuteAir faced ground crew shortages and taxiway delays. British Airways and Lufthansa experienced long hold times for transatlantic departures.
San Francisco International (SFO)
High winds and ATC spacing requirements delayed flights bound for Asia and the Middle East. United and international carriers like Philippine Airlines, Emirates, and Qatar Airways saw major disruptions, with some departures delayed up to three hours.
Newark Liberty International (EWR)
United Airlines’ hub at Newark was bogged down by ramp congestion and gusty conditions. International carriers including Lufthansa, Turkish Airlines, and Air India were forced to reschedule multiple long-haul departures.
John F. Kennedy International (JFK)
JFK saw system-wide delays impacting both domestic and intercontinental flights. JetBlue and Delta were most affected, while long-haul routes to Europe and the Middle East faced extensive delays due to wind-driven arrival restrictions.
LaGuardia Airport (LGA)
LaGuardia struggled with inbound flight pacing, leading to extensive delays for regional carriers. Several flights were rerouted to JFK or Newark due to runway limitations.
Philadelphia International Airport (PHL)
Runway limitations and gate rotation issues led to rolling delays throughout the day. American Airlines was the most affected, cancelling four flights and delaying over 30.
Reagan National Airport (DCA)
With 138 delays, DCA experienced the highest number of delayed flights on the East Coast. Its constrained layout and proximity to restricted airspace intensified the operational difficulties.
Traveler Impact and Outlook
Tuesday’s disruptions caused a ripple effect across the national airspace, stranding thousands and throwing travel plans into disarray. Airlines issued travel waivers, advised passengers to rebook online, and urged early arrivals amid continued congestion.
With additional storm systems forecast in the coming days, officials warn that similar large-scale delays could return, especially as summer travel volumes reach their peak.
