On July 18, 2026, 4,896 US flights were delayed and 126 canceled, heavily affecting hubs including Chicago O’Hare and Atlanta. Wildfire smoke reducing visibility and FAA staffing shortages caused widespread operational disruptions.
Flights at Abha International Airport remain suspended for a fourth day as of July 17, 2026. Etihad Airways' flights between Abu Dhabi and Toronto are delayed due to operational and technical issues.
Severe storms in Texas on July 17 caused flight ground stops affecting US air traffic. Thousands of flights were delayed nationwide due to the weather-related disruptions.