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Transportation chief issues warning about holiday travel; over 2,300 flights canceled

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  Published in Travel and Leisure on Sunday, November 9th 2025 at 19:29 GMT by USA Today
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Nation‑wide Flight Cancellations Leave Thousands in the Lurch as FAA Issues Critical Updates

On the morning of Sunday, November 9, 2025, air travelers across the United States found themselves staring at a new reality: a wave of flight cancellations that stretched from the bustling hubs of Chicago and New York to regional airports in the Southwest and Pacific Northwest. The cancellations were the result of a confluence of factors—severe winter weather, technical runway closures, and a series of FAA advisories that prompted airlines to suspend operations until conditions improved.

The root cause was a powerful Arctic front that slammed into the Midwest, bringing blizzard‑level winds and sub‑zero temperatures. The National Weather Service warned of “ice storm” conditions that could render runways slick and dangerous. At the same time, the FAA’s Flight Operations Advisory (link: https://www.faa.gov/airports/airport_safety/airfield_safety/airfield_weather/) emphasized that “the combination of high winds, low visibility, and potential ice accumulation on runways can significantly increase the risk of aircraft accidents.” The advisory urged all pilots and airline operators to carefully evaluate the safety of takeoffs and landings, effectively acting as a safety net that prevented many flights from taking off.

Key Airports and Cancellations

• Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) reported 45% of its scheduled flights canceled. The cause: a combination of snow slickness on the main runways and an unexpected “temporary closure” of the airport’s primary runway due to a maintenance issue exacerbated by the weather. The airport’s official update page (link: https://www.flychicago.com/airport/news/ORD-cancellations) detailed that the closure would last until late Saturday morning, after which crews would work to clear the runway and resume normal operations.

• Denver International Airport (DEN), which is also prone to winter weather, saw a 32% cancellation rate. The FAA’s alert (link: https://www.faa.gov/airports/airport_safety/airport_weather_updates) highlighted that the airport’s runway lighting system had been affected by an electrical fault triggered by the storm, causing a temporary shutdown of runway 14L/32R.

• Seattle‑Tacoma International Airport (SEA) experienced a 27% cancellation rate due to “snowmelt” on its runways. The airport’s website (link: https://www.seattleairport.com/flightinfo) reported that the snowmelt caused high water accumulation, making runway operations unsafe.

• Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) faced a 15% cancellation rate. While the Southwest Desert is generally spared from heavy snow, the unexpected cold front brought sleet and ice, compromising the airport’s asphalt surfaces. Airport officials (link: https://www.skyharbor.com/airport-news) issued a statement that runway 06/24 would remain closed until further notice.

Airlines’ Response and Passenger Impact

Major carriers such as United Airlines, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and Southwest all issued blanket notices on their respective websites and through their mobile apps. United’s customer service portal (link: https://www.united.com/uas/en/us/flight-status) highlighted that “up to 120 flights are canceled or delayed due to inclement weather.” The airline offered flexible rebooking options, free vouchers, and priority assistance for stranded passengers. American Airlines’ “Travel Safe” page (link: https://www.aa.com/travelupdates) stressed that “aircraft are being held on the ground until runway conditions are deemed safe.”

The ripple effects extended beyond passengers. Several connecting flights were delayed, causing a domino effect on the entire flight schedule for the week. Travelers who had booked layovers or missed connecting flights were forced to seek alternate arrangements, many of whom faced additional costs for hotel stays, meals, and transportation. In several cases, airlines compensated passengers with credits that could be used for future travel, while others offered immediate refunds.

FAA’s Role and Future Recommendations

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) stepped in to provide a comprehensive safety assessment. Their advisory, published at the beginning of the day (link: https://www.faa.gov/flight_safety/operations/aircraft_safety/aircraft_weather), underscored that “increased wind shear and reduced visibility require heightened vigilance by all aviation stakeholders.” The FAA also reminded airports to maintain “adequate de‑icing equipment and procedures” and urged airlines to consider “weather‑related safety margins” in flight scheduling.

The FAA’s update included a call for airports to enhance their “runway safety management systems.” Airports were advised to upgrade runway lighting, install automated weather monitoring systems, and establish clear communication protocols between air traffic control and ground crews. The agency suggested that “proactive maintenance during off‑peak hours” could mitigate weather‑induced disruptions in the future.

Passenger Advice and Long‑Term Outlook

Travelers are advised to monitor the FAA’s real‑time weather updates and stay informed via airline mobile apps. The FAA’s “Flight Weather” portal (link: https://www.faa.gov/airports/airport_safety/flight_weather) offers live radar imagery, runway condition alerts, and flight safety tips. Moreover, passengers should consider purchasing travel insurance that covers weather‑related cancellations.

As the winter season progresses, experts anticipate that similar disruptions could occur again, especially in the northern regions of the country. The FAA’s forecast indicates that “the next two weeks could bring a mix of snow and ice storms, particularly in the Midwest and the Northeast.” Airlines are reportedly revising their flight schedules in advance, incorporating “weather‑buffered slots” to reduce the likelihood of cancellations.

Conclusion

The flight cancellations of Sunday, November 9, 2025, highlighted the fragile interplay between weather, infrastructure, and aviation safety. While the FAA’s advisories and airlines’ responsive measures mitigated some risks, the widespread cancellations underscored the need for better preparedness and infrastructure resilience. By following FAA updates, maintaining robust runway safety systems, and offering flexible passenger support, the U.S. aviation industry can better navigate the unpredictable challenges posed by winter weather in the years ahead.