Travelers Face Delays, Cancellations at South Florida Airports

Airlines bring jets to MIA and FLL due to warm weather as winter storm impacts travel

Jan. 27, 2026 at 1:15pm

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Travelers at Miami International Airport (MIA) and Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) are facing a fresh batch of delays and cancellations linked to a recent winter storm that swept across the country. Airlines are bringing their aircraft to the warmer South Florida airports as they try to get back on schedule, leading to long lines and frustrated passengers.

Why it matters

The winter storm has caused widespread travel disruptions, with hundreds of flights canceled and delayed at the two major South Florida airports. This is impacting travelers' ability to reach their destinations and highlighting the challenges airlines face in recovering from major weather events.

The details

On Tuesday, there were over 300 flight cancellations and close to 700 delays between MIA and FLL. American Airlines accounted for 143 out of 145 canceled flights at MIA, with the airline saying 25% of its flights across the country are grounded. Passengers described long lines, canceled flights, and having to sleep in uncomfortable chairs at the airports as they waited for their travel plans to resume.

  • The winter storm swept across much of the country over the weekend.
  • On Tuesday morning, 7News cameras captured long lines at MIA and FLL.
  • Passengers said their flights were delayed or canceled on Monday and Tuesday.

The players

Miami International Airport (MIA)

The busiest airport in Florida and one of the warmest airports in the lower 48 states, which airlines are using as a hub to bring their aircraft in from the cold.

Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL)

Another major airport in South Florida that is also seeing travel disruptions due to the winter storm.

American Airlines

The airline that accounted for the majority of canceled flights at MIA, with 25% of its flights across the country grounded.

Dena Barrera

A passenger who was trying to fly home to San Antonio, Texas after a trip to Colombia, but was forced to sleep in uncomfortable chairs at MIA overnight.

Raffy

A passenger trying to fly home to the U.S. Virgin Islands, who described the experience as "quite the experience" that he "wouldn't want to wish on anybody."

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What they’re saying

“It's been quite the experience. I wouldn't want to wish it on anybody.”

— Raffy (WSVN)

“We'd love to just be at home, snuggling up in our 40-degree cold weather, 30-degree cold weather. It's not that bad.”

— Dena Barrera (WSVN)

What’s next

Officials expect the delays and cancellations to continue for at least the next two days as airlines work to get back on schedule.

The takeaway

The winter storm has caused significant travel disruptions at South Florida airports, with hundreds of flights canceled and delayed. This highlights the challenges airlines face in recovering from major weather events and the frustration experienced by travelers who just want to reach their destinations.