Winter Storm Fern Causes Delta to Cancel Flights Across Five States

Jan 23, 2026, 2:30 AM
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Delta Air Lines has announced the cancellation of flights across five US states as Winter Storm Fern moves eastward, bringing hazardous weather conditions including heavy snow and ice. The airline has also expanded its travel waivers to help customers affected by the storm, which is expected to disrupt operations significantly in the coming days.
The storm is already impacting areas in North Texas and Oklahoma, with forecasts predicting severe weather to spread into the Southeast and Northeast. Major travel hubs, particularly Atlanta, are preparing for extended operational challenges due to the storm's effects.
Delta has officially canceled select flights at airports in North Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Louisiana, and Tennessee. The airline is automatically rebooking affected customers onto the next available flights, and travelers are encouraged to check their flight status via the Delta app or website, where they can also make changes without additional fees under the current waivers.
As the winter storm approaches, Delta has adjusted its staffing plans, deploying teams from colder locations to assist with deicing and ground operations at several impacted airports, including Atlanta (ATL) and Nashville (BNA). These measures are intended to minimize cascading delays as conditions worsen.
The travel waivers issued by Delta cover a broad area, including parts of the central, southeastern, and northeastern United States. Travelers with existing bookings can change their travel dates without penalties, provided they meet the waiver conditions. If a flight is canceled or delayed significantly, Delta will rebook passengers on the next available flight.
In addition to Delta, other major airlines such as American Airlines, Southwest Airlines, and United Airlines have implemented similar flexible travel policies to accommodate passengers during this tumultuous weather period. American Airlines has announced fee-free rebooking options for travelers affected by the storm, while Southwest and United have expanded their waivers to include a wide array of airports likely to be impacted by Winter Storm Fern.
The National Weather Service has warned that the combination of freezing rain, sleet, and snow could create dangerous travel conditions, particularly across the Southeastern United States. These conditions could also lead to power outages and damage to trees, complicating travel further.
Travel data firms predict significant disruption over the weekend, with estimates indicating that thousands of flights could be canceled. AccuWeather has forecasted that as many as 15,000 flights may face delays due to the ripple effects of the storm across the country.
Passengers are advised to remain vigilant and monitor their flight statuses closely as the winter storm progresses. Airports not directly in the storm's path, such as those in Denver and Chicago, may still experience indirect delays due to repositioning of aircraft and crews.
As travelers prepare for potential disruptions, many are opting for travel protection plans. There has been a notable increase in the purchase of travel disruption assistance policies, indicating that passengers are taking proactive steps to safeguard their travel plans during Winter Storm Fern.
Airlines and travel authorities continue to urge customers to utilize mobile apps and websites for the quickest rebooking options and to stay updated on flight statuses as the situation develops.
In summary, Delta Air Lines and other major carriers are navigating significant challenges posed by Winter Storm Fern, with proactive measures in place to assist travelers. Passengers are encouraged to stay informed and flexible as weather conditions evolve over the coming days.

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