Hundreds of Flights Delayed at Denver Airport Amid Strong Winds

Colorado's Front Range hit with gusty conditions, impacting air travel

Published on Feb. 18, 2026

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More than 300 flights at Denver International Airport were delayed on Tuesday as a potent winter system with strong, gusty winds impacted Colorado's Front Range. Some airlines affected include Southwest, United, SkyWest, Lufthansa, and Frontier. The Federal Aviation Administration reported delays averaging over 2 hours due to the wind conditions.

Why it matters

Denver International Airport is a major transportation hub, handling around 1,700 to 2,000 flights on a typical day. Significant delays and cancellations can disrupt travel plans for thousands of passengers and have ripple effects across the airline industry.

The details

According to FlightAware, 339 flights were delayed and 2 were canceled as of 6:45 a.m. Tuesday at Denver International Airport. The Federal Aviation Administration said departure traffic destined for the airport was experiencing delays averaging 2 hours and 2 minutes due to the wind. The airport recommended travelers check security wait times ahead of their flights.

  • As of 6:45 a.m. Tuesday, 339 flights were delayed and 2 were canceled at Denver International Airport.

The players

Denver International Airport

Colorado's largest airport, typically handling 1,700 to 2,000 flights per day.

Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)

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

Southwest

A major U.S. airline that operates flights to and from Denver International Airport.

United

A major U.S. airline that operates flights to and from Denver International Airport.

SkyWest

A regional airline that operates flights to and from Denver International Airport.

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The takeaway

This incident highlights the significant impact that weather can have on air travel, especially at major airports like Denver International. It underscores the importance of airlines, airports, and regulatory agencies working together to minimize disruptions and ensure the safety and efficiency of the aviation system.