Severe Weather, Security Concerns Disrupt US Air Travel

Snowstorms, Mexico violence, and government shutdown impact flights across the country

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A powerful snowstorm in the Northeast, security issues in parts of Mexico, and the ongoing partial U.S. government shutdown combined to create major disruptions in air travel across the United States on Monday. Thousands of flights were canceled or delayed, and travelers with Global Entry memberships faced longer wait times at U.S. airports as the Department of Homeland Security temporarily suspended the program.

Why it matters

The overlapping travel challenges highlight the vulnerability of interconnected airline networks and the cascading impacts that weather, security concerns, and government policies can have on air travel. The disruptions stranded passengers, complicated airport operations, and underscore the need for travelers to stay informed and flexible when facing such widespread travel difficulties.

The details

The winter storm that pounded the Northeast brought heavy snow, strong winds, and blizzard warnings that slowed or halted transportation networks across the region. More than 5,600 flights into, out of, or within the U.S. were canceled, with the highest numbers at airports in New York, Boston, Newark, Philadelphia, and Washington, D.C. Airlines also suspended or adjusted service to destinations in and around Mexico's Jalisco state after violence erupted following the killing of a senior cartel leader. Additionally, the partial government shutdown led the Department of Homeland Security to temporarily halt the Global Entry program, causing longer wait times for some returning passengers at international airports.

  • On Sunday, a senior cartel leader was killed in Jalisco state, Mexico, sparking retaliatory attacks.
  • On Monday, the U.S. government shutdown that began on February 14 continued to affect Global Entry memberships.
  • More than 5,600 flights were canceled on Monday due to the Northeast snowstorm.
  • Over 1,700 flights were already canceled for Tuesday as airlines worked to restore their schedules.

The players

Waymo

An American autonomous driving company and a subsidiary of Alphabet Inc., Google's parent company.

Walker Reed Quinn

A 45-year-old San Francisco resident who has a history of vandalism and was out on bail for prior cases related to Waymo vehicles.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.