Severe winter storms across the United States forced airlines to cancel a record number of flights on Sunday, January 25, 2026.
Airlines cancelled nearly 11,000 flights in a single day. This marked the highest daily total since the COVID-19 pandemic.
Data from FlightAware showed that Sunday’s cancellations were nearly three times higher than those recorded on Saturday. The rapid increase reflected worsening weather conditions across several regions.
Meteorologists described the storm as one of the most severe in decades. Heavy snow, sleet, and freezing rain reduced visibility. Icy runways and strong winds made aircraft operations unsafe. Airlines grounded flights to protect passengers and crews.
Flight cancellations today top 9,900 amid winter storm — most in a single day since COVID pandemic https://t.co/kTfpCq3hRy
— CBS News (@CBSNews) January 25, 2026By early Monday, airlines had already cancelled more than 3,500 additional flights. Officials warned that the number could rise as the storm system moved east. Airports and airlines continued to review conditions hour by hour.
Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport warned travellers on Sunday that all flights had been cancelled for the day.
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Winter Storm Fern has left over 700,000 without power across the US and triggered the highest single day flight cancellations since the COVID 19 pandemic. pic.twitter.com/Zn9UVO1Flp
— Open Source Intel (@Osint613) January 25, 2026Airport officials urged passengers to check directly with airlines for rebooking options. They also advised the public to stay off icy roads. In New York City, LaGuardia Airport shut down operations due to heavy snow. Around 90 per cent of Monday’s flights were already cancelled.
Airports in Philadelphia, Charlotte, and Atlanta are also prepared for delays and cancellations. The storm disrupted operations for American Airlines, United Airlines, and Delta Air Lines more than others.
Several carriers issued travel waivers. These allowed passengers to change flights without extra fees. Airports and airlines urged travellers to avoid unnecessary journeys. Officials stressed that safety remained the top priority as winter conditions continued to worsen.
