On July 18, 2026, a total of 4,896 flights across the United States were delayed and 126 flights cancelled, impacting major airports including Chicago O’Hare, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta, Orlando International, San Francisco International, New York’s JFK, and Newark Liberty International Airport.
Wildfire smoke drifting south from Canada has significantly reduced visibility in portions of U.S. airspace, particularly affecting the New York metropolitan area. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) identified wildfire smoke as a factor reducing visibility around airports such as JFK, LaGuardia, and Newark Liberty, complicating flight operations and requiring increased spacing between aircraft. These conditions have contributed to widespread delays
across the nation’s network.
Disruptions at Major Airports
Chicago O’Hare recorded the largest number of flight disruptions with 801 delays and 17 cancellations. As one of the country’s busiest aviation hubs, delays there have led to cascading effects across domestic and international flight schedules. Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta Airport experienced 420 delays and 16 cancellations, while Orlando International Airport registered 216 delays and 5 cancellations, affecting leisure travel demand in Florida.
In California, San Francisco International faced 213 delays and 7 cancellations. San Diego International reported 182 delays and 12 cancellations, generating longer wait times for passengers. New York’s JFK Airport had 115 delays and 4
cancellations, with wildfire smoke also impacting operations at Newark Liberty International Airport, which reported 87 delays and 4 cancellations.
Airlines Affected by Delays and Cancellations
Southwest Airlines endured the highest total of delayed flights at 866, along with 9 cancellations. American Airlines followed closely with 850 delays and 11 cancellations. SkyWest registered 434 delays and recorded the highest number of cancellations among airlines, totaling 21. United Airlines also experienced 434 delays but had only 4 cancellations. These disruptions affected airline operations across multiple hubs including Chicago O’Hare, Dallas-Fort Worth, and Newark Liberty.
Traveler Impact and FAA Response
Travelers should expect ongoing disruptions at key airports throughout the day. The FAA noted
that wildfire smoke has reduced visibility in the Northeast U.S., particularly over the New York metropolitan area, complicating air traffic management and requiring additional separation between flights. These operational challenges are exacerbated by FAA staffing shortages, further contributing to delays and cancellations nationwide.
Air Quality Alerts and Event Considerations
Air quality advisories remain in effect in parts of New York and New Jersey due to Canadian wildfire smoke. This has raised concerns ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup Final at MetLife Stadium, New Jersey, where outdoor air conditions directly affect players, officials, and approximately 82,500 spectators. The smoke’s impact extends across large portions of the
Midwest, Mid-Atlantic, and Northeast, complicating both public health and aviation operations.
Flight disruptions today are concentrated across states including California, Florida, New York, New Jersey, Texas, and Georgia, with the interplay of wildfire smoke and FAA staffing shortages driving the widespread delays and cancellations recorded on July 18, 2026.
