Major Flight Disruptions Hit US Airports February 19
On February 19, 2026, several major US airports reported widespread flight disruptions, with hundreds of delays and dozens of cancellations affecting domestic and international routes. Houston, Minneapolis, Fort Lauderdale, and Phoenix were among the hardest hit, impacting major carriers including United Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Southwest Airlines, American Airlines, JetBlue, and Spirit.
The operational disruptions created extended wait times, missed connections, and rebooking challenges for travelers across the country.
Houston IAH Reports 99 Delays and 7 Cancellations
George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston recorded 99 delayed flights and 7 cancellations. United Airlines experienced around 40 delays, representing roughly 40% of its departures from IAH. Routes to Chicago, New York, Los Angeles, and Denver were particularly affected.
Delta Air Lines reported 30 delays and two cancellations, mainly on flights to Atlanta and New York. Southwest Airlines saw approximately 20 delays and one cancellation, especially on services to Dallas and Denver.
As a major connecting hub, Houston’s disruptions triggered secondary delays at Chicago O’Hare, New York JFK, and Los Angeles International airports.
Minneapolis MSP Faces 261 Delays and 25 Cancellations
Minneapolis/St. Paul International Airport experienced the most severe disruption, with 261 delayed flights and 25 cancellations. Delta Air Lines, which operates a major hub at MSP, reported 95 delays and 10 cancellations. American Airlines recorded 60 delays and 7 cancellations, while United Airlines saw 42 delays and 5 cancellations.
Heavy snowfall, low visibility, and air traffic control constraints contributed to the operational slowdown. Domestic routes to Chicago, Denver, Dallas, and New York were impacted, along with international connections to London and Frankfurt.
Fort Lauderdale FLL Records 110 Delays and 9 Cancellations
Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport reported 110 delays and 9 cancellations. JetBlue accounted for 34 delayed flights, while Spirit Airlines experienced 23 delays and 5 cancellations. Delta reported 6 delays and 2 cancellations.
Flights to New York, Atlanta, Dallas, and Toronto were among those affected. Operational challenges and adverse weather conditions, including strong winds and reduced visibility, contributed to the disruption.
Phoenix Sky Harbor Sees 270 Delays and 8 Cancellations
Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport recorded 270 delays and 8 cancellations. Southwest Airlines reported 86 delayed flights, while regional carrier SkyWest saw 53 delays and 8 cancellations. Delta Air Lines experienced 23 delays and one cancellation.
High traffic volumes and operational congestion caused ripple effects, impacting flights to Los Angeles, Chicago, Dallas, and New York, as well as secondary delays in Atlanta, Boston, and Austin.
Causes and Broader Impact on US Aviation
The primary causes included adverse weather, airport congestion, air traffic control limitations, and operational constraints. Even with relatively limited cancellations, the volume of delays disrupted connecting itineraries and increased pressure on airline customer service operations.
Airlines advised passengers to monitor flight status updates via official apps and websites and to allow additional time for connections.
Infrastructure Challenges and Outlook
The events of February 19 highlight ongoing structural pressures within the US aviation system. While airports continue investing in terminal upgrades and digitalization, capacity limitations and weather vulnerability remain key risk factors.
As International Investment experts report, repeated large-scale disruptions underline the need for accelerated modernization of US air traffic control systems, expanded airport infrastructure, and more resilient operational planning to accommodate sustained growth in passenger demand.