The latest US flight cancellations affected major airports in Dallas, Houston, Chicago, Atlanta and New York. Many travellers were left waiting as airlines struggled to restore their normal flight schedules.

According to FlightAware flight updates, 6,228 flights to and from the United States were cancelled, while another 7,542 experienced delays on Saturday.

The figures were higher than earlier estimates by Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) chief Bryan Bedford, who expected between 4,000 and 5,000 cancellations out of approximately 41,000 scheduled flights.

The disruption also affected international travel. Globally, 6,843 flights were cancelled and 19,927 delayed, with US operations accounting for a major share of the problems.

Major US Airlines Face Thousands of Cancellations

Several major airlines struggled to maintain their regular operations as the US airport chaos continued.

JetBlue was among the worst-affected carriers, cancelling approximately 45 percent of its scheduled flights.

American Airlines, United Airlines and Delta Air Lines also cancelled around a quarter of their planned services. The American Airlines cancellations added to the difficulties faced by passengers travelling through busy airports.

Airlines have allowed affected passengers to change their travel dates without paying additional charges.

However, restoring normal operations is taking time because airlines must reposition aircraft, pilots and cabin crews before they can operate their regular schedules.

Chicago, Atlanta and Texas Airports Among Worst Hit

Some of the busiest airports in the United States recorded hundreds of cancellations.

Chicago O’Hare International Airport reported more than 559 cancelled flights by 2 pm. Chicago Midway Airport also recorded 68 cancellations.

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Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport, one of Delta Air Lines’ major operating hubs, reported 479 cancellations by 12:30 pm.

In Texas, Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport recorded around 300 cancellations by 9 am.

Houston’s George Bush Intercontinental Airport also reported more than 310 cancelled flights, while Houston Hobby Airport faced significant disruption.

These US flight cancellations affected passengers travelling for business, holidays and other important commitments.

Why Are Flights Still Being Cancelled?

Although US airspace has reopened and flight departures have resumed, airlines are still facing major operational challenges.

During the disruption, aircraft and crew members were moved away from their original locations. Airlines now need time to bring them back and organise new schedules.

The Federal Aviation Administration has acknowledged the problems and apologised to affected passengers.

FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford said the worst part of the crisis appeared to be over. He also expressed confidence that airline schedules would largely return to normal by late Sunday, November 16.

However, passengers may continue experiencing delays and cancellations until airlines clear the remaining backlog. Further FlightAware flight updates will help travellers follow changes to their scheduled journeys.