Atlanta, GA, July 31, 2025
News Summary
Severe thunderstorms impacted air travel across the East Coast on Thursday, leading to significant delays and cancellations at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. A ground stop was implemented as more than 28,000 flights were affected nationwide. Travelers faced extensive delays, and emergency responders dealt with flash flooding in various Northeast regions. Authorities warned residents to avoid travel due to hazardous conditions and recommended checking with airlines for flight updates.
Atlanta
Thunderstorms sweeping across the East Coast on Thursday led to widespread flight delays and cancellations, with Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport experiencing significant disruptions. A ground stop was implemented in Atlanta, resulting in delays that exceeded two hours and affected countless travelers.
By late Thursday afternoon, average departure delays from ATL had reached around 30 minutes, with indications from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) that the situation could worsen depending on the weather conditions. The impact on air travel was felt across the nation, with over 28,000 flights delayed and at least 1,803 flights canceled nationwide, including 1,448 within the U.S.
Flight Disruptions
In Atlanta alone, 424 flights were delayed and an additional 53 were canceled by Thursday evening. Delta Air Lines, the primary carrier at ATL, reported 274 flight delays and 18 cancellations. Other airlines such as Southwest Airlines and Frontier Airlines also faced significant issues, with 44 delays and 10 cancellations, and 23 delays and 11 cancellations, respectively.
As delays and cancellations mounted, major cities around the region reported extreme disruptions. For instance, Philadelphia International Airport faced average delays soaring to 135 minutes, while both New York’s LaGuardia and JFK airports experienced delays ranging from 90 to 120 minutes. Other airports, such as Newark and Washington’s Reagan National, also enacted ground stops due to the severe weather.
Weather Implications
The thunderstorms not only impacted air travel but also caused flash flooding in various parts of the Northeast. In New York City, heavy rainfall led to significant flooding on local roadways, stranding several drivers. Emergency responders in Baltimore were called to rescue individuals from flooded vehicles. In Pennsylvania, an intense downpour dumped several inches of rain within an hour, exacerbating flooding in urban regions.
Authorities in the Northeast have advised residents to avoid traveling unless necessary, cautioning against conditions that present ongoing flood risks. Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman specifically warned Long Islanders to refrain from evening travel due to the potential dangers posed by floods.
Looking Ahead
As the backlog of air traffic in Atlanta continued into the evening, the city’s status as a central hub for air travel meant that disruptions in other regions significantly impacted its operations. Travelers were recommended to check with their airlines for real-time flight updates and to expect further inconveniences as severe weather persisted into the following day.
Key Statistics
- 28,000 flights delayed nationwide.
- 1,803 flights canceled nationwide.
- 424 flights delayed at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport.
- 53 flights canceled at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport.
- Philadelphia International Airport had delays averaging 135 minutes.
Additional Insights
Experts urge travelers to remain vigilant regarding weather updates and flight statuses. With the current storm systems causing substantial disruption, it’s essential for passengers to stay informed and adaptable during this period of unpredictable travel.
FAQ
What caused the flight delays and cancellations?
Thunderstorms across the East Coast led to severe weather conditions, prompting a ground stop at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport and significant disruptions at other airports.
How many flights were delayed or canceled?
By Thursday, over 28,000 flights were delayed nationwide, with at least 1,803 flights canceled, including 1,448 within the U.S.
Which airports were most affected?
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, Philadelphia International Airport, LaGuardia, and JFK saw the most substantial disruptions, with delays averaging up to 135 minutes in some cases.
What do travelers need to do?
Travelers are advised to check their flight status regularly with airlines for real-time updates regarding delays or cancellations.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Additional Resources
- Fox 5 Atlanta: Atlanta Airport Faces Major Delays Amid Severe Weather
- Wikipedia: Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport
- Forbes: Flight Delays Due to Extreme Heat
- Google Search: Flight Delays Atlanta Airport
- Patch: Flight Delays at ATL Airport Due to Heavy Storms
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Air Transportation
- Travel and Tour World: Flight Delays and Cancellations Due to Severe Thunderstorm
- Google News: Air Travel Delays
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.
