Published on January 7, 2026
Thousands of passengers are stranded in US airports as Delta, Alaska, Spirit, SkyWest, and other major airlines struggle with 2,074 bdelays and over 100 new cancellations. The travel chaos has hit airports in Seattle, Los Angeles, Fort Lauderdale, Minneapolis, and several other major hubs, leaving many passengers facing uncertain travel schedules. These disruptions have been caused by ongoing airspace volume issues and flow management initiatives, affecting both domestic and international flights. Airlines are working to address the situation, but the sheer volume of delays and cancellations is creating significant backlogs. Passengers are urged to check their flight status frequently and consider rebooking options if necessary.

What’s Causing the Delays?

The root cause of these travel disruptions is attributed to airspace volume and airspace flow management initiatives (FCAMA5). Due to high traffic in the Flow Constrained Area (FCA), flights crossing this area will be delayed by an average of 119 minutes or rerouted around the affected region. The Flow Constrained Area applies specifically to southeast departures, with flights destined to MBPV excluded from these delays. The altitude floor and ceiling in the affected airspace are set between 000/600.

Total Delays and Cancellations Today

The disruptions are widespread, with a total of 2,074 delays and 102 cancellations reported within, into, or out of the United States today. The delays are significantly impacting a number of major US airports, including those in Seattle, Los Angeles, and Fort Lauderdale, while airlines such as Delta Air Lines, American Airlines, and Southwest are among the most affected.

Analysis of Affected Airports, Cities, and Airlines

Airports Affected:

• Major US airports including Seattle-Tacoma Intl (SEA), Los Angeles Intl (LAX), and Fort Lauderdale Intl (FLL) are experiencing significant delays. For instance, Seattle-Tacoma has 9 cancellations and 124 delays, Los Angeles reports 6 cancellations and 141 delays, and Fort Lauderdale sees 8 cancellations with 74 delays.
• Other airports experiencing delays include San Francisco Intl (SFO), Detroit Metro Wayne Co (DTW), and John F. Kennedy Intl (JFK).

Cities Affected:

• Cities such as Seattle, Los Angeles, Fort Lauderdale, Minneapolis, and San Francisco are experiencing disruptions that are affecting local travellers as well as passengers with connecting flights.
• Popular travel hubs, such as Atlanta and Chicago, are also seeing considerable delays. San Diego, Anchorage, and Minneapolis are impacted by moderate delays and cancellations.

Airlines Affected:

• Delta Air Lines is seeing the most significant disruption with 17 cancellations and 202 delays.
• United Airlines follows closely behind with 10 cancellations and 137 delays, while American Airlines is also heavily impacted with 4 cancellations and 147 delays.
• Alaska Airlines, Spirit Airlines, and SkyWest are also experiencing a considerable number of delays and cancellations.

What Affected Passengers Can Do Now

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If you’re traveling today and are impacted by these disruptions, here are some steps you can take:

1. Check for Flight Status Updates: Stay updated with your airline’s app or website for the latest information on delays and cancellations. Many airlines are offering real-time updates and notifications to keep passengers informed.
2. Consider Rebooking Options: If your flight is cancelled, consider rebooking on another flight. Airlines may allow passengers to rebook for free or with minimal fees, especially in the case of cancellations caused by airspace issues.
3. Look for Rerouted Flights: Flights crossing the Flow Constrained Area are being rerouted around the affected region. Passengers who may have their flights rerouted should be prepared for longer travel times or changes in their flight path.
4. Reach Out to Your Airline’s Customer Support: If you’re stuck at the airport due to a delay or cancellation, it’s advisable to contact the airline’s customer service for potential compensation or assistance with accommodation, especially if you’re waiting for an extended period.
5. Prepare for Extended Wait Times: With over 1,800 delays reported today, airports may be crowded. Passengers should plan ahead by bringing snacks, water, and entertainment to make their wait more comfortable.
6. Stay Informed About Weather Conditions: While weather isn’t the primary cause of today’s delays, keep an eye on any weather alerts or potential additional disruptions as conditions evolve.

In Conclusion

Today’s airspace management issues have led to widespread travel delays and cancellations across numerous US airports. Passengers should remain vigilant, monitor updates from their airlines, and take necessary actions to stay informed and rebook if required. The delays, though substantial, are largely driven by air traffic volume and are expected to continue affecting southeast departures for the foreseeable future. Safe travels to those navigating through the disruptions.

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Source: FlightAware and Affected Airports, FAA

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Tags: airline chaos, airspace issues, Flight Delays, passenger delays, travel disruptions

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