As of 9:44 a.m. EST on October 28, 2026, more than 374 flights entering or departing the United States were delayed, with at least 59 U.S. flights canceled. Worldwide, FlightAware reported over 7,143 delays and 558 cancellations at the same time.
Weather and Verizon Fiber Outage Disrupt U.S. Flight Operations
Flight delays and cancellations were influenced by weather conditions including low clouds at San Diego International Airport (SAN) and Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA), and winds affecting McCarran International Airport in Las Vegas (LAS). The Federal Aviation Administration highlighted these factors. Additionally, a Verizon fiber line outage disrupted operations at major Northeast airports including Newark Liberty International (EWR), John F.
Kennedy International (JFK), and Philadelphia International Airport (PHL).
Passenger Impact and Expert Travel Advice
Passengers experienced significant delays and cancellations across numerous domestic and regional routes. Travelers at busy connecting airports were advised to allow extra time for connections. Passengers were advised to keep essential items in carry-on bags for accessibility during extended delays. Eryn Gordon, a TedX speaker on ethical and responsible travel, recommended knowing rebooking policies before departure and avoiding the first seat offered to prevent overnight stranding or separated luggage.
Travel Expert Eryn Gordon’s Recommendations
“A cancellation feels like chaos, but the travelers who come out of it best treat a disruption as a planning problem rather than
an emergency. Screenshot the rebooking policy before you leave the house,” Gordon said. She added, “The trap is thinking speed is everything and grabbing the first seat offered, when that seat can strand you in a connecting airport overnight with your bag on another aircraft.”
