Strong Winds Disrupt Flights at SFO

Delays of over 2 hours reported as winds impact airport operations.

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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Strong winds caused significant delays for flights heading to San Francisco International Airport (SFO) on Thursday, with the Federal Aviation Administration reporting an average delay of two hours and 10 minutes for inbound flights. The windy conditions impacted airport operations, leading to the extended wait times for passengers.

Why it matters

SFO is a major transportation hub for the Bay Area, and weather-related delays can have a ripple effect on travel plans for thousands of passengers. Disruptions at the airport also impact the regional economy, as business travelers and tourists face unexpected delays.

The details

According to the Federal Aviation Administration, flights heading to SFO were delayed an average of two hours and 10 minutes due to the strong winds. The windy conditions impacted airport operations, leading to the extended wait times for passengers trying to arrive at or depart from the airport.

  • The delays began on Thursday, February 16, 2026.

The players

Federal Aviation Administration

The U.S. government agency responsible for the regulation and oversight of civil aviation.

San Francisco International Airport (SFO)

A major international airport serving the San Francisco Bay Area, located 14 miles south of downtown San Francisco.

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The takeaway

This incident highlights the vulnerability of air travel to weather disruptions, and the importance of airport infrastructure and operations being able to withstand challenging environmental conditions.