Severe weather conditions linked to Winter Storm Fern have caused significant disruptions to commercial aviation across the eastern United States over the weekend. Reports indicate that at least seven fatalities have occurred due to the storm, with approximately 800,000 households left without power. The impact on airlines and airports has been profound, particularly as the weekend concluded and the extent of the disruptions became clear.
Friday’s Operations: Delays Dominate
On January 23, 2026, the first day of operational challenges began, with data from FlightAware revealing that while there were numerous delays, cancellations remained relatively low. SkyWest Airlines led the way with 711 delays, which represented 28% of its daily flights. In contrast, only 117 cancellations were recorded, accounting for 4% of its operations.
Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) emerged as the most affected location on Friday, experiencing 122 inbound cancellations (12%) and 166 delays (16%). In response to the evolving weather situation, American Airlines, the airport’s primary carrier, issued a travel advisory, notifying passengers of potential flexibility in their travel plans due to the severe weather conditions.
Saturday’s Escalation: Cancellations Surge
As the storm intensified on January 24, 2026, the situation deteriorated dramatically. American Airlines faced the brunt of the storm, cancelling 1,068 flights, which constituted 35% of its daily operations. Alongside these cancellations, the airline reported 498 delays (16%).
DFW Airport continued to be the hardest-hit facility, with a staggering 775 outbound cancellations, representing 86% of its departures. The airport also recorded 68 delays (7%). Other airports, including Charlotte (241 cancellations), Nashville (152), Chicago O’Hare (139), and Atlanta (138), also saw significant disruptions.
On the inbound side, DFW recorded 714 arrivals cancelled, which represented 80% of its incoming traffic. The overall operational chaos highlighted the severe impact of Winter Storm Fern on air travel.
Sunday’s Crisis: Record-Breaking Cancellations
The situation reached a critical point on January 25, 2026, when a total of 11,599 flights were cancelled within, into, or out of the United States. This figure accounted for over 92% of global cancellations, according to FlightAware.
American Airlines again led the cancellations with 1,898 (58%) of its flights affected, alongside 754 delays (23%). The airline’s challenges were mirrored by other major carriers, with Delta cancelling 1,484 flights, Southwest at 1,347, and United Airlines with 1,019 cancellations. Republic Airways also faced significant disruption with 911 cancellations.
As airlines continue to navigate the severe impacts of Winter Storm Fern, many are expressing hope that the worst is now behind them, with operations gradually returning to normal. Passengers are encouraged to check their flight statuses and remain informed about ongoing changes as recovery efforts progress.