Published on August 29, 2025
On Thursday, 28 August, American Airlines faced significant operational disruptions, resulting in over hundred cancellations and widespread delays across the UK, Mexico and the US. Passengers travelling through major cities like London, Cancun, Chicago, Los Angeles, Charlotte, Pensacola, Dallas, Newark, Northwest Arkansas, San Diego, Ontario, Atlanta, Miami, Salt Lake City, Oklahoma City, Houston, Milwaukee, Knoxville, Phoenix and Austin were affected.
These cancellations and delays caused substantial chaos, with many travellers stranded at airports and left with limited options for rebooking. According to FlightAware data, the airline experienced disruptions involving 129 cancellations and 831 delays. The widespread nature of these disruptions affected both domestic and international routes. This report outlines the details of the affected flights, routes and the potential impact on local tourism in key cities.

A Breakdown of the Affected Flights

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American Airlines has been forced to cancel 129 flights, which represents approximately 3% of its total operations. These cancellations were spread across a variety of flight types, including both domestic and international routes. Notably, some of the most affected flights include:

• AAL2012: Chicago O’Hare International (KORD) to Los Angeles International (KLAX)
• AAL735: London Heathrow (LHR) to Charlotte/Douglas International (KCLT)
• AAL2697: Pensacola International (KPNS) to Dallas-Fort Worth International (KDFW)
• AAL3249: Los Angeles International (KLAX) to Chicago O’Hare International (KORD)
• AAL2043: Los Angeles International (KLAX) to Dallas-Fort Worth International (KDFW)

These are just a few examples of the numerous flights that were impacted on the day of the disruption. The cancellations have not only affected the passengers but also caused major operational and logistical challenges for the airline.

Affected Routes

The most affected routes were those between major US cities, international hubs and popular tourist destinations. The airline operates a significant number of flights from Dallas-Fort Worth International (KDFW), with several flights between domestic locations like Los Angeles, Salt Lake City and Oklahoma City facing disruptions. International routes, particularly between London and Charlotte, as well as flights to Cancun, were also significantly affected.
Some of the key affected routes included:

• US Domestic Routes: Dallas to Salt Lake City, Dallas to Oklahoma City, Los Angeles to Dallas, San Diego to Dallas, Phoenix to Austin and more.
• International Routes: London Heathrow to Charlotte, Cancun to Dallas

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These cancellations and delays have led to a ripple effect, impacting travellers’ connections and creating a backlog of stranded passengers at various airports.

Delays Were Widespread

In addition to the flight cancellations, delays were widespread. A total of 831 flights, approximately 22% of the scheduled departures, were delayed. These delays caused disruptions not only for passengers travelling to their destinations but also for those trying to make connecting flights.
Passengers on affected flights were left with limited options, often having to rebook or wait for several hours before being informed of new departure times. With several international flights involved, the delays impacted both domestic and international travel.

Affected Airports

A number of major airports were significantly impacted by the cancellations and delays, with passengers left scrambling for alternative arrangements. The key affected airports included:

• United States: Dallas-Fort Worth International (KDFW), Los Angeles International (KLAX), Charlotte/Douglas International (KCLT), Pensacola International (KPNS), Newark Liberty International (KEWR), Northwest Arkansas National (KXNA), San Diego International (KSAN), Ontario International (KONT), Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International (KATL), Miami International (KMIA), Salt Lake City International (KSLC), Oklahoma City Will Rogers International (KOKC), Houston Bush Intercontinental (KIAH), Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport (KMKE), McGhee Tyson (KTYS), Phoenix Sky Harbor International (KPHX) and Austin-Bergstrom International (KAUS).
• United Kingdom: London Heathrow (LHR / EGLL)
• Mexico: Cancun International (CUN / MMUN)

These airports, especially those located in major cities like Dallas, Los Angeles, London and Cancun, experienced heightened congestion due to the disruptions. This created an environment where passengers had to endure long wait times for rebooking, check-in and security procedures, contributing to an overall negative travel experience.

Probable Impact on Local Tourism

The disruption caused by these cancellations and delays could potentially have a significant impact on local tourism in the affected cities. Cities like London, Cancun and various US hubs, which depend on frequent tourist arrivals, could face short-term decreases in tourism due to flight cancellations. Popular destinations such as Cancun, which are heavily reliant on air travel for international visitors, may see a temporary drop in the number of tourists, especially if passengers are unable to reach their destinations in time for planned vacations or business trips.
Moreover, business travellers attending conferences or meetings could experience delays or cancellations, impacting business activity in affected cities. However, since the disruptions occurred primarily on a single day, the long-term impact on tourism may be minimal, provided that the airline resumes normal operations quickly.

What Affected Passengers Can Do Now

Passengers who were impacted by the cancellations and delays should take immediate steps to address their travel plans. The following options are available:

1. Rebooking: American Airlines will likely provide passengers with the option to rebook their flights to a later time or date. Passengers should check with the airline for available seats on upcoming flights and take advantage of any rebooking options offered.
2. Compensation: Passengers may be entitled to compensation, especially if the delay or cancellation was caused by issues within the airline’s control. American Airlines will inform passengers about potential compensation options, which may include travel vouchers, hotel stays, or meal allowances.
3. Stay Updated: Passengers should regularly check their flight status through the American Airlines website or app for updates on cancellations, delays, or new departure times.
4. Alternative Travel: For those unable to secure a new flight with American Airlines, it is advisable to explore other carriers offering service on the affected routes.

Conclusion

The disruptions caused by American Airlines‘ flight cancellations and delays on Thursday, 28 August, have left passengers stranded across multiple airports, affecting key destinations in the UK, Mexico and the US. With 129 cancellations and 831 delays reported, travellers are advised to stay updated on their flight status and take advantage of rebooking options provided by the airline. While the immediate impact has caused inconvenience, American Airlines is likely to offer compensation and alternative travel arrangements to affected passengers. The information provided, based on FlightAware data, highlights the scale of the disruptions and the importance of planning for potential delays in the coming days. Passengers should remain vigilant for any further updates and take necessary steps to minimize the impact on their travel plans.
Image Credit- American Airlines Newsroom

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Tags: American Airlines, flight cancellations, mexico, UK, US

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