Stock Markets January 25, 2026

Delta Cuts Back Schedule as Winter Storms Disrupt U.S. Air Travel

Airline runs a reduced timetable while monitoring the Northeast and Atlanta hub amid a storm that has prompted cancellations, delays and travel waivers

By Marcus Reed DAL
Delta Cuts Back Schedule as Winter Storms Disrupt U.S. Air Travel
DAL

Delta Air Lines is operating a reduced flight schedule as a winter storm affects multiple U.S. regions. The carrier says proactive schedule adjustments mean currently planned flying is proceeding as scheduled, while it monitors conditions in the Northeast and at its Atlanta hub. The system-wide disruption has led to cancellations, delays and travel waivers as ice, sleet, snow and strong winds impact major hubs and regional airports.

Key Points

  • Delta is operating a reduced flight schedule while monitoring conditions in the Northeast and at its Atlanta hub.
  • The airline says proactive schedule adjustments mean current scheduled flying is operating as planned.
  • The storm has caused cancellations, delays and travel waivers across major hubs and regional airports, affecting U.S. air travel.

Delta Air Lines announced on Sunday that it is running a scaled-back flight schedule as winter weather continues to affect several regions across the United States. The carrier said it is closely monitoring conditions in the Northeast and at its major Atlanta hub while maintaining a reduced operating plan.

Delta said proactive schedule adjustments have been implemented and that, under the current plan, scheduled flying is operating as intended. The broader winter storm has disrupted U.S. air travel more widely, prompting airlines to cancel flights, warn passengers of delays and issue travel waivers as ice, snow and strong winds move through major hubs and regional airports in the South, East and central U.S.

On Saturday, Delta added further flight cancellations affecting Atlanta and the U.S. East Coast, including service at its Boston and New York hubs, citing impacts from winter storm Fern. The company did not provide additional operational details beyond the scope of the adjusted schedule and the monitoring of key locations.

The National Weather Service issued warnings tied to the storm, noting that a mix of freezing rain, sleet and snow could create hazardous travel conditions and may cause power outages and damage to trees across the Southeast. The weather service also indicated heavier snowfall is expected farther north as the storm progresses up the country.

Passengers traveling into or out of affected regions should expect disruptions. Airlines have responded by canceling selected flights and offering waivers to accommodate customers facing weather-related interruptions. Delta emphasized its ongoing monitoring of the situation at major operational centers, including its Atlanta hub, but did not provide an updated timeline for returning to normal schedules.


Context for operators and travelers

Airlines and airports continue to manage the operational impacts of winter weather through schedule reductions and customer accommodations. The combination of freezing precipitation, wind and snow has produced a layered set of challenges for flight operations, ground handling and passenger movements at affected hubs and regional airports.

Risks

  • Ongoing winter weather - ice, sleet, snow and strong winds - may continue to disrupt airline operations and passenger travel.
  • Potential power outages and tree damage in the Southeast could compound transportation disruptions and airport ground operations.
  • Heavier snowfall expected farther north as the storm moves could expand cancellations and delays at additional hubs and regional airports.

More from Stock Markets

SpaceX Acquires xAI, Eyes Solar-Powered Orbital AI Data Centers Feb 2, 2026 Nvidia Shares Slip After Report That OpenAI Is Seeking Alternative AI Chips Feb 2, 2026 U.S. Markets Close Higher as Industrials and Consumer Stocks Lead Gains Feb 2, 2026 Musk Moves to Combine SpaceX and xAI into a $1.25 Trillion Entity Ahead of Planned IPO Feb 2, 2026 OpenAI Seeks Alternatives to Some Nvidia Chips as Inference Needs Shift Feb 2, 2026