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Storm systems along the Gulf Coast and East Coast drove more than 6,000 flight delays across the United States by 4 p.m. Thursday. FlightAware also logged 139 cancellations. The disruptions mark the latest wave of severe weather-related travel chaos this week. Furthermore, the timing is especially damaging for travelers. The Transportation Security Administration expects high travel volumes from Thursday through Sunday ahead of the Juneteenth holiday on Friday.
Atlanta, Boston and Philadelphia face the worst delays
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport logged more than 500 flight delays Thursday afternoon. Only 12 cancellations followed. However, a tornado watch and flood watch remained in effect for much of Georgia, according to the National Weather Service. Atlanta consistently ranks among the busiest connecting hubs in the country. Consequently, delays there ripple outward and affect passengers across the entire network.
Boston Logan International Airport saw delays hit 37% of its inbound flights Thursday. High wind conditions and a tornado watch covered parts of Massachusetts. Philadelphia International Airport reported delays for 25% of inbound flights and 35% of outbound flights. High wind speeds and overcast conditions drove those numbers. John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York logged more than 360 delays under mostly cloudy and windy skies.
Tropical Storm Arthur adds to the threat
The severe weather is accompanying remnants of Tropical Storm Arthur, the first named storm of the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season. The National Weather Service has forecast a substantial flash flooding threat across the Gulf Coast and Southeast over the coming days. Eastern Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, the Florida Panhandle and Georgia all face possible torrential rainfall and thunderstorms. Additionally, an active cold front in the East is generating severe weather across the Northeast. The NWS expects that front to dissipate and move off the coast early Friday morning, which could bring some relief to the region.
Wednesday also produced more than 5,000 delays
Thursday’s disruptions follow a similarly difficult Wednesday. More than 5,000 flight delays hit the country that day. Chicago O’Hare, Dallas Fort Worth International Airport and Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport each absorbed hundreds of disruptions. In response, Delta, American, Southwest and United all issued travel waivers for passengers scheduled to fly Wednesday.
Travelers flying through any of the affected airports this weekend should monitor their flight status closely. They should also check with their airline about rebooking options if their plans get disrupted.
Source: Forbes / FlightAware / National Weather Service
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