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Severe Weather Grounds Hundreds of Flights During Memorial Day Weekend

FAA halts flights nationwide, citing safety concerns, as thunderstorms disrupt major hubs including Denver and Orlando.

People wait in line at Newark Liberty International Airport's Terminal B as fewer planes and passengers travel during Memorial Day holidays, May 24, 2025. Passenger traffic was down as demand declined after a series of air traffic disruptions; radar and communications systems were reported to have gone dark and air traffic controllers reported confusion and hazard conditions for flight coming in and going out of the the airport. (Photo by Anthony Behar/Sipa USA)(Sipa via AP Images)
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A Southwest Airlines jetliner taxis down a runway for departure from Denver International Airport in Denver, Colo., on May 23, 2025.
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Overview

  • The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) grounded hundreds of flights across the United States during the Memorial Day weekend due to severe weather conditions.
  • Thunderstorms in the Denver metro area and Central Florida forced ground stops at Denver International Airport and Orlando International Airport, causing significant delays.
  • Newark Liberty International Airport continues to face reduced capacity due to ongoing construction and staffing shortages, compounding travel disruptions.
  • Officials have urged passengers to monitor flight statuses closely as delays and cancellations continue.
  • The disruptions underscore broader challenges in the U.S. air travel system, including outdated infrastructure, staffing shortages, and strained air traffic control resources.