- Flight Disruptions
- US flight cancellations ease as operations recover after winter storm
US flight cancellations ease as operations recover after winter storm
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Checked by Matteo Floris
Last updated on February 11, 2026
1,300
Affected flights
2
Affected airports
3
Affected airlines
What Happened
Air travel in the United States is stabilizing after a winter storm, with about 1,300 cancellations reported as of 6:20 a.m. ET on Tuesday. Dallas‑Fort Worth logged 276 cancellations and Charlotte Douglas 138. Monday saw 6,250 cancellations by day’s end, following 11,618 on Sunday, described as the highest single-day total since March 2020. The Department of Transportation expects schedules to normalize by Wednesday. American, United, and Delta introduced fee waivers, while American reported over 1,900 cancellations on Sunday amid disruptions at multiple hubs.
Flight Disruption Details
Air travel in the United States is recovering following a winter storm that caused widespread disruption. As of 6:20 a.m. Eastern Time on Tuesday, roughly 1,300 flights within, into, or out of the country were canceled, a clear improvement from earlier in the week. Dallas‑Fort Worth International Airport recorded 276 cancellations, with Charlotte Douglas reporting 138.
The latest figures follow significantly higher cancellation totals on preceding days. On Monday morning, around 4,000 flights were already grounded, and by the end of the day cancellations rose to 6,250. Sunday was the worst day of the period, with 11,618 cancellations, which Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy described as the highest single-day total since March 2020. The Department of Transportation expects flight operations to return to normal by Wednesday.
According to Secretary Duffy, the storm combined ice, snow, and a subsequent cold snap, intensifying operational impacts. Challenging road conditions also prevented some airport and airline staff from reaching worksites, adding to the disruption.
American Airlines was among the most affected carriers, with more than 1,900 flights canceled on Sunday alone. Five of its nine hubs, including its largest at Dallas‑Fort Worth, were significantly impacted amid record-setting weather. Disruptions were particularly acute in regions less accustomed to extreme winter conditions, where infrastructure limitations contributed to staffing challenges as employees, vendors, and federal partners contended with unsafe roads.
Several airlines introduced fee waivers to give customers more flexibility. American Airlines extended its waiver through Thursday, United Airlines’ waiver remains in effect through Wednesday, and Delta Air Lines’ waiver covers Tuesday.
With cancellations continuing to decline and relief measures in place, the outlook is for a gradual restoration of normal service, with a return to regular schedules anticipated by Wednesday.
Know your rights
These are your air passenger rights
When your flight's disrupted, you may be entitled to various forms of care and compensation under EC 261 and other applicable laws.
Rerouting or refund
If your flight is canceled, your airline must provide an alternative. You may also get a full refund if you no longer wish to travel.
Care and assistance
Your airline must provide food and refreshments if your journey is delayed more than a few hours.
Accommodation
If you are away from home and your journey is delayed overnight, the airline must offer you accommodation and transportation to it.
Communication
Under EC 261 you are entitled to 2 phone calls or emails if your journey is delayed over 1 hour. No compensation when a disruption is caused by extraordinary circumstances, as this appears to be.
This advice is provided to help you if your flight is delayed or canceled. However, the exact care and compensation you are entitled to will depend on your specific circumstances and flight. Always follow the directions of your airline, particularly with regard to check-in and boarding times.
Quick facts
Summary
Disruption
Cancellations
Cause
Weather issue
Status
Current disruption
Compensation
Not eligible for compensation
Flights affected
1300
Airlines affected
American Airlines, United Airlines, Delta Air Lines
Airports affected
Dallas‑Fort Worth International Airport, Charlotte Douglas
Countries affected
United States
Checked by
Matteo Floris
Date updated
February 11, 2026
What To Do If Your Flight Is Cancelled
If you're traveling to or from the European Union, here's what to do when your flight is unexpectedly scrubbed:
Gather evidence that your flight was delayed, canceled, or overbooked.
Get the airline to provide written confirmation of the disruption and the reason behind it.
Request an alternative flight to your destination — or a refund if you no longer wish to travel.
Make a note of the arrival time at your final destination.
Ask the airline to provide vouchers for meals and refreshments.
Avoid signing documents or accepting offers that may waive your passenger rights.
If an overnight stay is required, ask the airline to provide accommodation.
Save receipts for any additional expenses caused by the disruption.
