- Flight Disruptions
- U.S. winter storms keep flights disrupted Tuesday; cancellations and delays mount
U.S. winter storms keep flights disrupted Tuesday; cancellations and delays mount
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Possibly eligible for compensation
By Alice Mariscotti-Wyatt
Last updated on March 18, 2026
8,400
Affected flights
4
Affected airports
8,400
Affected flights
4
Affected airports
Disruption overview
Flight disruptions continued across the United States on Tuesday as airlines worked to recover from a powerful winter storm system. FlightAware reported over 1,100 cancellations and about 7,300 delays that day. Atlanta’s Hartsfield‑Jackson International Airport saw more than 230 cancellations and around 770 delays. The turbulence followed a chaotic Monday of heavy snowfall in the Midwest that moved east, affecting major hubs including New York, Chicago, and Atlanta, with New York experiencing wind gusts near 50 mph. A partial federal government shutdown further strained TSA staffing at airports.
Passengers affected by this flight disruption may be eligible for compensation of up to US$650 under passenger rights regulations. Eligibility depends on the circumstances of the disruption.
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Disruption details
Flight operations across the United States remained disrupted on Tuesday as airlines continued recovery efforts following a powerful winter storm system. According to flight-tracking data cited in the report, more than 1,100 flights were canceled and approximately 7,300 were delayed on Tuesday alone.
Atlanta’s Hartsfield‑Jackson International Airport recorded over 230 cancellations and around 770 delays, placing it among the most impacted airports. The ongoing issues followed a particularly turbulent Monday, when a storm dropped significant snowfall across the Midwest before moving east. Major traffic hubs including New York, Chicago, and Atlanta were affected. In New York, wind gusts approached 50 mph, compounding the operational challenges.
In addition to weather impacts, a partial federal government shutdown that began on February 14 added pressure to airport operations by straining staffing at TSA security checkpoints. This compounded the challenges airlines faced in restoring normal schedules and contributed to longer wait times for travelers.
The combination of winter weather—snow, strong winds, and blizzard-like conditions—and reduced staffing at key airport checkpoints led to substantial cancellations and delays through Tuesday as carriers worked to stabilize operations. No specific airlines were named in the report, and no timeline was provided for a full return to normal schedules. The situation reflects one of the more challenging periods for U.S. air travel in recent months, with significant knock-on effects as airlines sought to clear backlogs and reposition aircraft and crews.
Passengers traveling through impacted cities such as Atlanta, New York, and Chicago faced elevated risks of schedule changes on Tuesday while airlines managed recovery. Further details on flight counts beyond Tuesday’s figures were not provided.
Know your rights
These are your air passenger rights
When your flight's disrupted, you have rights. Most passenger protection laws cover the following:
Compensation
Good passenger rights ensure passengers get fairly compensated for delays and cancellations. Try our compensation check and find out how much money we can get you.
Rerouting or refund
If your flight is canceled, your airline must provide an alternative. Some laws say you can choose a full refund instead.
Food and essential care
Providing food and drinks is a basic right under many regulations. Typically after a delay of a few hours.
Accommodation
Some passenger rights say the airline must provide accommodation when your journey is delayed overnight.
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
Delays and Cancellations
Cause
Weather issue
Status
Current disruption
Compensation
Possibly eligible for compensation
Flights affected
8400
Airports affected
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, New York, Chicago, and Atlanta
Checked by
Alice Mariscotti-Wyatt
Date updated
March 18, 2026
What to do if your flight is delayed, canceled, or overbooked
If you're traveling to, from, or within the European Union, here's what you should do when you experience a disruption.
Collect proof that your flight was canceled, e.g. boarding pass, vouchers and any other travel documents.
Get the airline to provide written confirmation of the cancellation and reasons behind it.
Request an alternate flight to your destination - or a refund.
Make a note of the arrival time at your destination.
Ask the airline to pay for your meals and refreshments.
Don't sign anything or accept any offers that may waive your rights.
Get the airline to provide you with a hotel room, if needed.
Keep your receipts if your canceled flight ends up costing you extra money.
