Thousands of US Flights Disrupted by Multiple Airlines Causing Widespread Delays and Cancellations
Flight operations across the United States faced significant turmoil as more than 5,100 delays and 52 cancellations were reported. Affected carriers include Spirit, SkyWest, American, Horizon, and United, with disruptions noted at airports in Denver, Los Angeles, Orlando, Newark, and San Francisco, among others. Passengers experienced interrupted journeys on a large scale, impacting travel plans nationwide.
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A major disruption in air travel swept across the United States, leaving passengers stranded and delaying thousands of journeys. More than 5,100 flights have been delayed and at least 52 flights canceled, according to reports. The chaos affected multiple airlines, including Spirit Airlines, SkyWest, American Airlines, Horizon Air, and United Airlines, underscoring the far-reaching nature of the event.
Key transportation hubs and destinations were impacted, with airports in cities such as Denver, Los Angeles, Orlando, Newark, and San Francisco experiencing elevated levels of disruption. Both delays and cancellations have inconvenienced air travelers, with many left seeking new flight options or alternate transportation arrangements.
While details regarding the precise cause of the disruptions remain unclear, the scope covered several large metropolitan areas and multiple airlines, suggesting a systemic issue rather than a localized problem. The event resulted in widespread schedule changes across domestic routes, affecting business and leisure passengers alike.
Authorities and airlines have not specified when full operations will resume, and further delays are possible. Travelers are advised to regularly check their flight status with their airlines before heading to the airport.
Know your rights
These are your air passenger rights:
Sometimes it’s not immediately clear whether your flight qualifies for compensation. When the cause of the delay or cancellation is uncertain, the following general rights still apply.
Pending eligibility
Your right to care, rebooking, or refund is always guaranteed under EC 261, UK 261, ANAC 400, SHY-PASSENGER, GACA, and the Montreal Convention.
Whether you qualify for monetary compensation depends on the reason for the disruption — this can take time for authorities or the airline to confirm.
Causes like technical faults, crew issues, or operational errors usually make your flight eligible.
However, weather conditions, security threats, or air-traffic restrictions often fall under extraordinary circumstances, which may exempt airlines from paying compensation.
Tip: Keep all travel documents and receipts. You may later prove that your case qualifies for compensation.
Rerouting or refund
If your flight is canceled, you are entitled to a new flight or a refund.
Care and assistance
If your flight is delayed by more than two to four hours, your airline must provide food and drink vouchers.
Accommodation
For overnight delays, airlines must provide hotel stays and transfers, regardless of whether compensation applies.
Communication
You have the right to two phone calls or emails during extended waiting times.
Quick facts
Disruption:
Delays and Cancellations
Cause:
Other
Compensation:
Not eligible for compensation
Flights affected:
5152
Status:
Current disruption
Airlines affected:
Spirit Airlines, SkyWest Airlines, American Airlines, Horizon Air, United Airlines
Airports affected:
Denver, Los Angeles, Orlando, Newark, San Francisco
Checked by:
Alice Mariscotti-Wyatt
Date updated:
October 13, 2025