Over 1,800 US Flights Canceled as Massive March Storm Disrupts Travel

The severe weather system is causing major disruptions at major airports across the country during the busy spring break travel season.

Mar. 16, 2026 at 11:35am

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More than 1,800 flights within, into or out of the United States had been canceled as of 7 a.m. ET Monday, as a massive weather system disrupted air travel across parts of the country, according to flight-tracking site FlightAware. The bulk of the cancellations were reported at airports in the New York region, as well as Chicago O'Hare International Airport, one of the nation's largest airline hubs. Several major airlines were also heavily affected, including Endeavor Air, Southwest Airlines, Delta Air Lines, American Airlines, Republic, and SkyWest.

Why it matters

The travel disruptions come as a powerful March storm system sweeps across the United States, bringing blizzard conditions to parts of the Midwest and a rare severe storm threat along the East Coast. The severe weather is causing major disruptions at major airports across the country during the busy spring break travel season, leaving many travelers scrambling to find alternative flights.

The details

The region is one of the busiest aviation corridors in the world, meaning disruptions there can quickly ripple across the national air travel network. Ground stops were also anticipated at major hubs later Monday as severe storms approached the Atlantic coast, according to FOX Weather. Parts of the Midwest and Great Lakes are also digging out from historic snowfall totals, including Green Bay, Wisconsin, which recorded 14.8 inches in its snowiest day in 137 years.

  • As of 7 a.m. ET Monday, more than 1,800 flights within, into or out of the United States had been canceled.
  • The travel disruptions come as a powerful March storm system sweeps across the United States.

The players

FlightAware

A flight-tracking site that provided the data on the flight cancellations.

FOX Weather

Reported that more than 5,000 flights have already been canceled nationwide through Tuesday as the sprawling storm system continues to disrupt travel across multiple regions.

Green Bay, Wisconsin

Recorded 14.8 inches of snow, its snowiest day in 137 years.

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The takeaway

This massive storm system is causing widespread travel disruptions across the country, with over 1,800 flights canceled so far and more expected as the severe weather continues to impact major airports and airline hubs. The situation highlights the vulnerability of the air travel network to extreme weather events and the challenges faced by travelers during peak travel seasons.