Atlanta, December 28, 2025
News Summary
Delta Air Lines is experiencing significant flight cancellations and delays throughout December due to a northeast winter storm, with Hartsfield-Jackson Airport seeing the highest number of cancellations in the U.S. on December 28. Delta’s operations have been further complicated by a prior network outage at Detroit Metro Airport. Customer frustrations are rising as inadequate real-time information leaves passengers uncertain about their flights. Despite minimal disruptions reported for December 29, a ground stop at Hartsfield-Jackson caused more delays.
Atlanta
Delta Air Lines is facing major disruptions as the northeast winter storm leads to significant flight cancellations and delays throughout December, particularly affecting travel around Boxing Day. Delta’s operations have been challenged by a combination of extreme weather and earlier issues, including a major network outage at Detroit Metro Airport.
As of the morning on December 28, Hartsfield-Jackson Airport, Delta’s primary hub in Atlanta, reported the highest number of flight cancellations in the United States. The airport saw 39 canceled departures and 48 canceled arrivals on that day. The winter storm caused substantial impacts on flights to and from Atlanta, prompting Delta to implement proactive cancellations to address air traffic control delays and limitations related to snow and de-icing procedures.
Delta’s spokesperson stated that cancellations are considered a last resort after options have been exhausted and acknowledged that factors such as crew duty times also contributed to the increased number of cancellations.
On December 27, Delta experienced a total of 1,232 flight delays, affecting approximately 38% of its scheduled flights. Hartsfield-Jackson Airport recorded 426 delays, ranking second only to major northeast airports suffering from the storm’s effects. Over the preceding weekend, Delta led globally in cancellations, with 239 flights canceled on Saturday and 145 on Sunday, while competitors like JetBlue were less affected.
In terms of operational challenges, Southwest Airlines had the highest rate of delays on December 27, with 1,930 delays impacting 45% of its flights, mainly due to conditions at Orlando International Airport. American Airlines reported 1,239 delays on the same day, while United Airlines performed better, maintaining a rate of 34% delays and the least cancellations among major U.S. airlines.
To assist passengers affected by the disruptions, Delta issued a waiver allowing reissued tickets for certain cities grappling with winter weather. Passengers from cities including New York (JFK and LGA), Newark (EWR), Philadelphia (PHL), and White Plains (HPN) must reissue tickets by December 30. It is worth noting that Atlanta passengers are not included in this waiver.
Despite the challenges faced, Delta has reported minimal flight disruptions for December 29; however, a ground stop was implemented at Hartsfield-Jackson Airport due to low visibility caused by fog, leading to over 100 flights being delayed or canceled again on that day.
Customer frustration mounted throughout these disruptions, with multiple reports of inadequate real-time information provided through Delta’s app which has left passengers uncertain about their flight statuses. The operational difficulties experienced by Delta this month were exacerbated by external factors such as severe weather incidents, potential implications from a governmental shutdown in November, and technical issues experienced earlier in December.
Key Flight Disruptions at Delta Air Lines
- Total cancellations on December 28 at Hartsfield-Jackson: 39 departures and 48 arrivals.
- Total delays across Delta flights on December 27: 1,232 affecting 38% of flights.
- Weekend cancellations: 239 on Saturday, 145 on Sunday.
- Ground stop implemented due to fog on December 29 affecting over 100 flights.
FAQ
What caused the major flight cancellations and delays at Delta Air Lines?
Delta Air Lines experienced significant flight cancellations and delays throughout December due to a winter storm in the northeast affecting travel around Boxing Day, compounded by a major network outage at Detroit Metro Airport earlier in the month.
What were the cancellation numbers for Delta flights on December 28?
Hartsfield-Jackson Airport had 39 cancelled departures and 48 cancelled arrivals on December 28.
What cities are included in Delta’s waiver for reissued tickets?
Cities included in Delta’s waiver are New York (JFK and LGA), Newark (EWR), Philadelphia (PHL), and White Plains (HPN); notably, Atlanta passengers are not included.
How have customers reacted to the disruptions at Delta?
Customers expressed frustration over flight cancellations, with reports indicating a lack of timely information through Delta’s app, leading to uncertainty about cancellations.
Flight Disruptions Comparison Chart
| Airline | Cancellations (December Weekend) | Delays (December 27) |
|---|---|---|
| Delta Air Lines | 384 (239 on Saturday, 145 on Sunday) | 1,232 (38%) |
| Southwest Airlines | Not specified | 1,930 (45%) |
| American Airlines | Not specified | 1,239 |
| United Airlines | Lowest rates | 34% of flights |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Severe Weather Causes Disruptions at Atlanta Airport
Atlanta Airport Ground Stop Due to Severe Thunderstorms
Severe Thunderstorms Disrupt Travel Across Georgia
Thunderstorms Cause Widespread Flight Disruptions in Atlanta
Additional Resources
- The Travel
- AJC
- Fox 5 Atlanta
- WSB TV
- Online Athens
- Wikipedia: Winter Storm
- Google Search: Delta Air Lines flight disruptions
- Google Scholar: airline cancellations
- Encyclopedia Britannica: airline industry
- Google News: Hartsfield Jackson Airport
Author: STAFF HERE ATLANTA WRITER
The ATLANTA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAtlanta.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Atlanta, Fulton County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as vibrant music festivals like Shaky Knees and Music Midtown, major cultural celebrations including Dragon Con and the Atlanta Film Festival, and iconic sporting events like the Peachtree Road Race. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce and the Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in logistics, beverages, and retail that power the local economy such as Delta Air Lines, The Coca-Cola Company, and The Home Depot. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAugusta.com and HERESavannah.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Georgia's dynamic landscape.
