Severe winter weather in the United States has caused significant disruptions in air travel across Puerto Rico, Mexico, and the Dominican Republic. On January 26, 2026, 279 flights were canceled and an additional 228 faced delays due to extensive weather-related impacts on U.S. airlines.
Flight Disruptions Across Key Airports
The majority of cancellations were linked to flights traveling to, from, or within the United States. The following airports reported the highest levels of disruptions:
- Cancún International Airport (CUN): 89 cancellations and 76 delays
- Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport, San Juan (SJU): 86 cancellations and 48 delays
- Punta Cana International Airport (PUJ): 40 cancellations and 51 delays
- Lic. Benito Juárez International Airport, Mexico City (MEX): 34 cancellations and 53 delays
- Cibao International Airport, Santiago (STI): 30 cancellations, no delays
Impact of U.S. Winter Storms
The widespread disruption follows a winter weather system affecting a large area of the U.S., resulting in heavy snowfall and hazardous travel conditions. Some regions were warned of up to two feet of snow, impacting airline schedules significantly. The chain reaction of cancellations extended beyond U.S. borders, notably affecting international leisure travel.
Airlines Most Affected
Several airlines experienced the highest number of cancellations:
- JetBlue: 61 cancellations
- American Airlines: 54 cancellations
- United Airlines: 35 cancellations
- Delta Air Lines: 33 cancellations
- Spirit Airlines: 16 cancellations
- Frontier Airlines: 12 cancellations
- WestJet: 12 cancellations
- Volaris: 8 cancellations
Advice for Affected Passengers
Travelers facing cancellations are advised to follow these steps:
- Regularly check airline apps for updates.
- Explore rebooking options available after cancellations.
- Investigate eligibility for refunds or travel credits.
- Consider alternative travel dates or different airports.
- Keep receipts for extra costs such as accommodations and meals.
- Plan for additional travel time to account for delays.
Overall, the winter storm has created a significant backlog in flight operations across popular travel corridors in Mexico, Puerto Rico, and the Dominican Republic. With U.S. airlines bearing the brunt of the impact, travelers should remain vigilant and proactive in managing their travel plans during this challenging period.
