A wave of flight disruptions swept across the United States today with 2,545 delays and 69 cancellations recorded via domestic and international networks. American Airlines led all airlines with 406 delayed flightswhile New York, Charlotte, Denver and San Francisco emerged as the hardest-hit hubs. Regional feeder PSA Airlines recorded proportionately the heaviest cancellation rate.
Yesterday, May 21, the system recorded 659 cancellations and 2,387 delays – a total of 3,046 disruptions – which amounts to Day 51 of consecutive serious aviation disruptions since Good Friday April 1. The streak has been caused by a combination of severe weather conditions, the shutdown of Spirit Airlines in early May, FAA operating restrictions at Chicago O’Hare and the ongoing ripple effects of the global jet fuel crisis.
DFW advises passengers to change terminals
In Dallas-Fort Worth, American Airlines’ main hub, DFW Airport actively instructs passengers to check in at Terminal A instead of the usual Terminal C to reduce the congestion caused by the ongoing construction works. The airport stated: “To save time and avoid congestion in the construction area, American Airlines passengers departing can check in at Terminal C, check their luggage and clear security at Terminal A, then take the short walk or quick Skylink ride to Terminal C.”
TheTrav el.com reports this that American delayed 1,134 flights on Thursday alone – nearly a third of its total flights. Southwest Airlines had more delays in total, at 1,839.
Weather on the East Coast is adding extra pressure
United Airlines has issued a travel disruption warning It covers six major airports on the East Coast and offers passengers flexible rebookings with waived change fees and fare differences for travel through May 26. KLM has also reported weather disruptions through today that affected flights to JFK, Newark, LaGuardia and White Plains in New York.
What passengers need to know
Despite the chaos, American Airlines expects 4.2 million customers on more than 40,000 flights between May 21 and 26 — and Aviation A2Z Notes the carrier has rolled out a restructured 13-bank schedule at DFW, which has already reduced delays compared to April peaks. The FAA’s new capacity limit at O’Hare also appears to have a moderating effect on that hub specifically.
Passengers experiencing cancellations are entitled to a full cash refund via their original payment method, per DOT regulations. Those who are delayed by three or more hours due to problems caused by the airline are entitled to meal vouchers; Overnight cancellations entitle travelers to hotel accommodations and ground transportation.
